After an extended hiatus,Al Rokeris set to return to television this week. Back in November, Roker had been hospitalized for issues related to blood clots in his lungs and leg. He briefly left the hospital on Thanksgiving, but returned shortly thereafter when additional complications arose. Roker was released from the hospital on Dec. 8 and has since continued to recover at home. With Roker now clearly feeling much better, it was announced on Tuesday’sTodayby co-anchor Hoda Kotb that they’ll very soon be reunited on the program.
“He’ll be right here in Studio 1A,” Kotb said, viaToday.“This is his place. He’ll be in his seat right where he belongs.”
Roker’s hospitalization had caused him to miss covering the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This would be the first time in 25 years he hasn’t attended the annual event. At the time, he posted an image of himself at home watching the parade, able to enjoy the coverage as a fan this time around.
“Back home in time to catch a little bit of the (Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade),” Roker said in the Instagram post. “Missing being next to (Savannah Guthrie) and (Hoda Kotb).”
Related:Al Roker Misses Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for First Time in 27 Years, Cheers on Colleagues from Home
Al Roker Is a Fixture of The Today Show
Roker’s presence has been missed onToday, given how long he’s been such an important part of the program. Amid his absence, Roker did appear virtually onTodayin December to provide fans with an update on his progress. He noted that he was still dealing with some health issues but continued to feel better with each passing day, referring to the whole ordeal as a “slog” but feeling “very fortunate” at the same time.
“Listen, it’s been a tough slog. I’m not going to deny this," the 68-year-old explained. “It’s been the hardest one yet, and you know I’ve had my share of surgeries. It gives you a profound sense of gratitude for this outpouring of prayers and thanks. I’m a very fortunate person.”
Of the immense support he’s been getting from his fans along with hisTodayfamily, Roker added, “I’ve missed you all so, so very much, all these faces. It just means the world to me and to our family and my Deborah, who’s just been my rock. I thank you so much. I really appreciated it.”
