Al Roker has always been a familiar face on TV, known for his vibrant personality and years of service as a weather anchor on Today. 

But beyond his professional achievements, Roker has also become a symbol of resilience, particularly in his health and wellness journey. 

After battling multiple health crises over the years, including a life-threatening blood clot 

and internal bleeding episode in 2022 and a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2020, 

Al has become a powerful advocate for healthy living and the importance of making consistent, small decisions that lead to long-term well-being.

In a recent interview, Roker opened up about how a personal conversation with his father served as the turning point in his wellness journey, setting the foundation for his ongoing commitment to health. 

“And he said, point-blank, ‘Look, we both know I’m not going to be here to help you raise your kids. You’ve got to be here for your children,’” Roker revealed. These words from his father deeply impacted him and motivated him to make serious changes in his life. It was this moment of tough love that ultimately led him to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 2002, a decision that set him on the path to better physical health.

Roker acknowledges that his journey has been a series of small, daily choices that have added up over time. “It’s not the end of the world. Now, okay, let’s start today and start again,” he shared, offering a message of encouragement to others who may be struggling with their own health goals. The emotional weight of his father’s words about being there for his children stayed with him, inspiring him to take charge of his health for both himself and his family.

As a prominent figure in the public eye, Roker has used his platform to encourage others to make better lifestyle choices. Recently, he took on the role of Chief Motivation Officer for Today’s new fitness platform, Start Today. During the launch of the Start Today app in January, Roker emphasized that staying healthy is not about making drastic changes but about the smaller, everyday choices that build up over time. For those who may be struggling with weight or other health issues, he stressed the importance of perseverance, explaining that setbacks are part of the process and should not be seen as failure.

His own wellness routine is a testament to this approach. Roker’s fitness plan is not about perfection; rather, it’s about consistency. He starts his mornings with a 20-25 minute walk on the treadmill and fits in load-bearing exercises. On other days, he simply enjoys a brisk walk home from work, demonstrating that fitness doesn’t always require a strict regimen—it’s about staying active in ways that fit into your life.

Throughout his health battles, Roker has had the unwavering support of his wife, Deborah Roberts, who has been his rock, particularly when he was hospitalized for blood clots in his legs that affected his lungs. Roberts shared her experience as a caregiver, calling the period “taxing, exhausting, and frightening,” but noting that her faith and support from friends and family helped her through. Roker has repeatedly expressed how grateful he is for his wife’s support, acknowledging that he wouldn’t be here without her love and care.

The couple’s bond is stronger than ever, and they now have an additional reason to celebrate: in 2023, they became first-time grandparents when Roker’s daughter, Courtney, announced she was expecting her first child. Roker proudly embraced his new role as a grandfather, jokingly referring to himself as “Pop-Pop” in his social media posts. The birth of his granddaughter brought him immense joy and served as a reminder of how far he has come in his health journey.

As he celebrated his 69th birthday in 2023, Roker reflected on his health struggles and the importance of cherishing every moment. “After everything I went through at the end of last year, I am more than grateful to be celebrating this birthday,” he shared, grateful for the support of his family, friends, and the Start TODAY community. He also shared a heartfelt post with pictures of his granddaughter, Sky, calling her the “best #birthdaypresent,” highlighting how his family has played an integral role in his health and happiness.

Roker’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that good health isn’t just about the big changes—it’s about making consistent, positive choices every day. Whether it’s listening to your body, taking a walk, or staying motivated through difficult times, Roker shows that health and wellness are an ongoing commitment, one that’s made easier with the support of loved ones.

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