Longtime viewers of TODAY noticed one of the show’s staples was nowhere to be found on Monday, May 6 — but don’t worry, Al Roker had a perfectly good excuse. Roker missed May 6th’s TODAY episode because he was busy guiding the next generation of journalists into the next phases of their careers. So yes, we consider this an “excused absence” if there ever was one. Let us explain.

Al Roker Misses TODAY to Give Fisk University’s Commencement Address

“Deborah and I are so honored to receive honorary doctorates and give the commencement address today at the 150th Commencement at Fisk University,” Roker captioned on an Instagram post.

As one of the premier liberal arts universities in the country, it makes perfect sense that Nashville-based Fisk University would tap Roker and Roberts to give this year’s commencement address. After all, the two are industry legends and naturally have an endless stream of wisdom they can impart to the next generation of writers, reporters, and journalists.

Reports say the commencement address was a rousing success — and really, what else could graduates expect? They were given the best of the best.

The pair were also given honorary doctorates by the university. Overall, it wasn’t a bad way to spend a Monday for the happy couple of 28 years! We love seeing those two together, whether they’re all smiles before a successful commencement address or cheering each other on during the New York City marathon.

This Isn’t the First Time Al Roker Has Given a Commencement Address

Roker is no stranger to passing along words of wisdom to America’s youth, and participating in Fisk University’s commencement address wasn’t his first rodeo.

In 2020, the longtime TODAY correspondent gave his first commencement speech to the Columbus City Schools, a public school district in Ohio. However, due to pandemic restrictions at the time, Roker’s speech was a strictly virtual affair — a sharp contrast to his in-person speech on May 6th in Tennessee.

Fans Concerned About Al Roker’s Absence

Some TODAY show fans were a little concerned about Al Roker when he wasn’t at his normal spot on the daily show, but luckily, the TV star shared an update that assured everyone that there was nothing to worry about.

On March 11, Roker shared a sweet family post on Instagram, giving fans a special look at some quality time between the meteorologist and his son, 21-year-old Nick. In the first photo, Roker smiled lovingly at Nick while they stood together on a beautiful beach, while the second showed the father-and-son duo relaxing in a lounge as they rocked matching sun hats.

“Making memories with your son🙌❤,” wrote one fan happy to see the family photos, as another said, “Oh!!! Guys trip! I love this! Nick looks so grown up!”

Quite a few people shared how relieved they were to see that Roker was doing well, such as one person who commented, “Glad you were away for fun and not health related! We were all getting worried!”

“I’ve been worried about you but now I know you were making PRICELESS memories! Time well spent ❤️,” read a similar note, while a third chimed in, “I had a feeling you and Nick were on an adventure!”

Al Roker’s Health Journey

The concern from fans likely stems from the fact that Roker had some health obstacles in late 2022 that resulted in him being away from TODAY for almost two months. Roker was hospitalized for blood clots, and it seemed quite serious for a time, but he soon recovered and got back to work!

Roker also had a knee replacement last May, but since then, he appears to be doing well, often checking in with his fans about exercising and focusing on his well-being.

Celebrating Al Roker’s 45 Years with NBC

TODAY celebrated Al Roker’s 45 years with NBC on the morning show. The beloved weathercaster was described as “the beating heart of this show” during the segment, as his colleagues noted he has set 7,047 wake-up alarms for 3:45 am, been on hand for 27 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades, and contributed to the coverage of 13 Olympics.

A clearly moved Roker told his co-stars that it had been a “very good run.” “I really am very fortunate. Nobody gets to be somewhere this long without friends and people who help you and a team behind you. Nobody does it by themselves. It’s been a very good run,” he said.

They then cued up a throwback video of Roker’s long NBC career, opening with a segment on penguins at his first job with the network in 1978 at WKYC in Cleveland, which was then an NBC owned and operated station.

After five years in Cleveland, he was promoted to the network’s flagship outlet, WNBC-TV in his hometown of NYC. He began as a weekend weathercaster, and within eight months became the station’s regular weeknight weathercaster, replacing WNBC-TV veteran

Dr. Frank Field. From 1983 to 1996, Roker was the regular substitute for forecaster Joe Witte on the NBC News program NBC News at Sunrise. He also substituted on the weekday edition of TODAY when Willard Scott was ill or away. He landed the regular weekday weather slot on TODAY beginning on January 26, 1996, where he has remained since.

Why Is “Is Al Roker Dead” Trending?

In the first week of November 2022, Al Roker was mysteriously absent from The TODAY Show for two weeks before it emerged that he had been taken to hospital.

A source close to the anchor told The US Sun that he hadn’t “been feeling well.”

They added: “He’s been off the air for almost two weeks. It’s been an ongoing issue [that] he’s been dealing with.

“He’s such a wonderful and energetic guy, so it’s hard to remember that he’s 68 years old.”

During this period, several rumors about his health circulated online.

He revealed that he was treated for blood clots in his leg and lungs.

Furthermore, there were more rumors about his health scare when he was absent from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time on November 24, 2022.

He has hosted this Parade every year since 1995.

He was discharged from the hospital on November 24, 2022, which caused him to let off a cheerful “wahoo” in an Instagram video.

“This is my version of the Thanksgiving Day parade. Getting ready to leave the hospital. Time to blow this taco stand,” Roker said in the video.

Al Roker’s Medical Ordeal

Al appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show on November 10 with his wife Deborah Roberts for a conversation about his ordeal.

The beloved weatherman spoke to Kelly, 41, about how he ended up having multiple surgeries and how he’s been holding up since.

And in an exclusive clip of the podcast Your Mama’s Kitchen shared by People Al said: “It’s no secret that I had a severe medical issue, and to be completely honest, I almost died.

“I didn’t know it at the time.”

He went on to explain that his family kept that important information from him at the time to help him to recover properly.

“But I missed Thanksgiving, and almost missed Christmas,” he said.

Al had to go back to the hospital on Thanksgiving night when he experienced another medical emergency.

“And I forgot how important those touchstone moments are.

“I felt, in a sense, badly because I ruined Thanksgiving for the family and I was not going to let that happen for Christmas.”

Podcast host Michelle Norris told Al that he was being too hard on himself.

“I know,” Al admitted. “But it was important to me and gave me something to push for. And I made Christmas dinner.”

Al Roker’s Battle with Prostate Cancer

Timeline of Al Roker’s battle with prostate cancer:

After almost postponing a regular physical, he was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 by his doctor.
Roker goes public with his diagnosis to spread awareness about the effects it has on the black community.
In March 2021, Roker had surgery to have his prostate removed for treatment.
In November 2022, he was hospitalized for blood clots in his lungs and leg.
Roker missed being a host of the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in 27 years due to his recovery.

Al Roker’s Net Worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Al Roker has a net worth of approximately $70 million. His main source of wealth is said to be his NBC salary, which reportedly stands at $10 million annually. His five-year $50 million deal covers his duties on both The TODAY Show and The Weather Channel.

Al did not report the weather on TODAY on Monday. Instead, Dylan Dreyer filled in for him. She is a meteorologist and one of Al’s typical co-hosts on TODAY Third Hour.

Dylan, 42, reported on the extremely cold weather around most of the country, as well as the snow that is coming.

Al, 69, was also out for TODAY Third Hour. He typically hosts with Dylan, Craig Melvin, and Sheinelle Jones. However, Al, Craig, 44; and Sheinelle, 45, were all absent.

“Al, Craig, Sheinelle, all off on this holiday morning,” Dylan said as she started off the Third Hour.

January 15 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Weekend anchors Laura Jarrett and Peter Alexander filled in for the missing hosts.

Is He Snow-K? Fans Worried After Snowy Adventure

Today fans feared for Al’s health last week when he went on a snowy adventure. He took a walk outside and shared a clip to his Instagram. It was snowing where he was and Al bundled up in a hat, coat, and multiple layers. The meteorologist said in the clip that he was well-prepared for the outing and had a “waterproof layer, nice warm gloves, and very warm socks.”

“Nothing like a #snowysunday to take part in our #100mile @starttoday_ challenge,” Al captioned his post.

“And tune in to @todayshow tomorrow am for an all morning #starttoday walking extravaganza with @stepitupwithsteph.”

While many fans praised Al for being so dedicated to staying active, many were concerned for his well-being, especially after his major health issues in 2022, including hospitalizations for blood clots, and his knee surgery last year.

“Stay warm and safe,” one fan begged.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Al Roker still alive in 2024?

Yes, Al Roker is alive and well in 2024. He continues to be an active presence in the media and enjoys spending quality time with his family.

2. Why was Al Roker absent from the TODAY Show on May 6th?

Al Roker missed the TODAY Show on May 6th because he was giving the commencement address at Fisk University alongside his wife, Deborah Roberts.

3. What health issues has Al Roker faced recently?

Al Roker has faced several health challenges, including blood clots in his lungs and leg in late 2022, and he has also undergone knee replacement surgery. He was hospitalized for these issues but has since recovered and returned to work.

4. How long has Al Roker been with NBC?

Al Roker has been with NBC for over 45 years. He started at WKYC in Cleveland in 1978 and moved to WNBC-TV in New York City before joining TODAY in 1996.

5. What is Al Roker’s net worth?

Al Roker’s net worth is estimated to be around $70 million, primarily from his salary at NBC, where he earns approximately $10 million annually.