Deborah Roberts, the esteemed Today show anchor, has been met with an outpouring of love and prayers after sharing tragic news about her family. 

In an emotional post on Instagram, Roberts revealed that her beloved older brother, Jackie, has passed away, leaving her and her family “hurting in ways we cannot express.”

The TV anchor opened up in a heartfelt message, reflecting on the loss of a man she described as one of the brightest lights in her life. 

“A mighty oak has fallen in my family,” she began, 

before revealing that her brother was the family’s “pillar of goodness and strength” following the death of their parents. 

Jackie was not only the oldest sibling but also a guiding force for Deborah and her four sisters, making his passing all the more difficult for the family.

With a series of family photos shared alongside her post, Deborah spoke of the deep sorrow that her family is enduring. She described Jackie as a “proud father, brother, son and friend,” emphasizing his role in the family and the pride he took in his military service. She reflected on the incredible strength and leadership Jackie provided, calling him the “family patriarch,” a position he held with honor and dedication throughout his life.

The anchor continued, “What a loss for us. But what a life of purpose and example.” Her words highlighted the sense of pride that came with knowing Jackie, despite the profound grief she now faces. Her message ended on a poignant note as she remembered the special moments they shared. “We miss you so much dear, Jackie. And we grieve with Jacqueline, Vicky, Pamela, and Doris,” she wrote, referring to her siblings. She closed with a bittersweet farewell: “Rest in peace my dear brother. And enjoy your reunion with mom.”

In the wake of Deborah’s announcement, fans, friends, and colleagues flooded her with messages of support. Fellow Today show anchor Lara Spencer expressed her condolences with a simple yet heartfelt message: “Oh no Deb. So, so sorry.” Alina Cho also shared her sympathy, writing, “Oh, Deb… I’m so very sorry… sending you all my love.” These messages underscored the outpouring of love that surrounded Deborah as she navigated this painful time.

This loss is especially hard for Deborah, who tragically lost her oldest sister, Annette, to dementia in July 2022. While she has not disclosed the cause of her brother Jackie’s death, the pain of losing both a sister and now a brother within such a short time frame has been profound for her and her family.

Beyond the sorrow, Deborah has also shared glimpses of the warmth and love that have defined her family’s bond over the years. In a throwback post from earlier in her life, she reflected on the chaos and challenges of growing up in a large family, something that has now become a cherished memory. “When growing up in a large family, it’s hard to believe that the challenges and dinner time chaos will later warm your heart when looking back,” she wrote, offering a nostalgic glimpse into her childhood. She followed up by expressing gratitude for her siblings and the support they’ve always given her, writing, “So blessed to have been lifted in life by this bunch!”

In addition to her strong ties with her siblings, Deborah and her husband, Al Roker, have created a beautiful family of their own. Together, they have raised three children: Nick and Leila, Deborah’s stepchildren from Al’s first marriage, and their own son, Courtney. Al and Deborah’s bond has been a source of strength and support as they navigate the highs and lows of life together, with their family always at the center of it all.

In recent years, Deborah has also shared glimpses of their family milestones, including celebrating engagements and special moments. Through it all, she has demonstrated the deep importance she places on family and the love that binds them, even in the toughest of times.

As Deborah continues to grieve her brother’s passing, the overwhelming support from her loved ones and the public has surely provided some comfort. While the pain of loss is profound, the legacy of love, strength, and guidance that Jackie left behind will forever be a part of Deborah’s heart and the hearts of those who knew him.

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