Today fans, it's time to celebrate Al Roker as he has reached a major milestone in his career!
During the December 11 taping of Today, Al's co-hosts Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin announced that he was celebrating 45 years working at the network. As Craig and Sheinelle explained, Al's career started out at an NBC affiliate station in Cleveland, Ohio back in 1978. And not only did the duo recognize Al's incredible, but they surprised him with a few (okay, a lot) of other people who wanted to congratulate him.
"We have a special 45-word message from 45 people here who love you," Sheinelle told Al. "Isn't that pretty cool? And there's a bonus message from someone you know pretty well."
As the message started to play, many of Al's colleagues shared how amazing it is to see him celebrate this special moment. The final person offering a sweet message was Al's wife, Deborah Roberts, who let him know the celebrating would continue when he got home.
"Happy, happy, happy anniversary," she wished him. "Here's to so many more! I'll be popping the champagne, so come on home."
Upon seeing Al's exciting career news, fans immediately swarmed the comments to share their own elation for this milestone. "Thank you for all the years! Love your smiling face!" one person wrote on TikTok. "Great tribute to a great person, weatherman, host, anchor, dad, husband & human being! 🥰," another agreed. "Happy 45 years, Al! You are an absolute sweetheart, and we love you!" a different viewer added.
As for how Al felt about all the warm messages, he went on Instagram to voice how amazing it was for him to be doing a job he loves for so many years.
"I was so touched by my @todayshow family and my family for taking the time to celebrate #45years at @nbcnews," he wrote shortly after the taping wrapped. "To all the folks I’ve worked with at @wkyc3 @nbcnewyork and @today thanks for making me so much better than I am."
Congrats, Al, and here's to many more years on our screens!
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
