For Today show weatherman Al Roker, family has always been at the heart of everything he does—including his latest book, 

Recipes to Live By: Easy, Memory-Making Family Dishes for Every Occasion. Co-written with his daughter, 

Courtney Roker Laga, the book is a celebration of food, family traditions, and the special moments that bring loved ones together. 

However, it also carries a bittersweet note as it pays tribute to a cherished member of the Roker family—their beloved dog, Pepper, who passed away earlier this year.

In an interview with HELLO!, Roker opened up about the deep grief he and his family have felt after losing their furry companion.

A Heartfelt Goodbye to Pepper

Reflecting on the loss of their beloved pet, Roker shared how difficult it was to say goodbye. “It’s tough,” he admitted. While he and his wife, journalist Deborah Roberts, had prepared themselves for the inevitable heartbreak that comes with owning a pet, nothing could truly ease the pain when the moment arrived.

Roker recalled a conversation he had with his wife nearly 13 years ago when their children were eager to welcome a dog into the family. He had experienced the pain of losing pets before and knew what lay ahead. “The kids were really after us for a dog,” he shared. “And I said, here’s the thing: I’ve always had dogs. I’m not against the dog, but I know what’s going to happen.”

He explained that while Pepper would become an irreplaceable part of their lives, he feared the heartbreak that would come when she was gone. “We’re going to have this dog, and it’s going to become part of our lives,” he said. “I mean, it’s going to be a family member, and then the kids are going to grow up, and they’re going to leave, and we’re going to be with the dog, and then we’re going to lose the dog and we are going to be heartbroken.”

Unfortunately, that moment arrived earlier this year when Pepper passed away after more than a decade with the family.

Processing the Loss

Even though Roker and Roberts had tried to prepare for the loss, it was still incredibly difficult to process. He also addressed how others reacted to their grief, mentioning that many well-meaning friends and fans had quickly asked if they planned to get another dog.

“I know people are well-wishing, but I’ve had a lot of people who were like, maybe a day or so after, saying: ‘So are you gonna get another one?’” he said. His response? “Settle down.”

For now, Roker and his family are taking their time to grieve and adjust before making any decisions about bringing another pet into their lives. “I think we’re going to get through the holidays and then reassess, because we really do miss her,” he shared. “She was just… It truly is unconditional love. And out of the corner of my eye, I think I see her somewhere.”

Pepper’s Special Place in the Roker Family

Pepper wasn’t just a pet—she was a cherished member of the family. In a heartfelt social media post, Roker honored their late dog, writing, “12 years ago, this sweet little girl named Pepper changed our lives.” Alongside the message, he shared a video filled with Pepper’s best moments, celebrating the joy she had brought into their lives.

The Roker family had adopted Pepper from the Main Line Animal Rescue outside of Philadelphia when she was just 10 weeks old. Roker quickly fell in love with the pup, describing her as the “perfect dog.” Over the years, Pepper became an integral part of their family, providing comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.

Honoring Pepper’s Memory

Though Pepper is gone, her memory will live on in the hearts of the Roker family. Her presence is also felt in Recipes to Live By, where she is lovingly remembered as part of their family’s journey. As Roker and his daughter Courtney celebrate the release of their book, they do so with gratitude for the time they had with Pepper and the lasting impact she had on their lives.

For now, the family is taking things one day at a time, cherishing the memories they made with their beloved dog. And while they may not be ready to welcome a new pet just yet, one thing is certain—Pepper will always be remembered as a treasured part of their family story.

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