Al Roker Talks Retirement: ‘They’ll Have to Drag Me Out Kicking and Screaming’

Al Roker has built an extraordinary career in television, spanning decades as a beloved weather forecaster and media personality. 

Despite turning 70 this year, the Today show veteran has no plans to slow down anytime soon. In a recent interview, Roker made it clear that retirement isn’t on his radar just yet, 

humorously stating, “They will have to drag me out of here screaming and kicking.”

A Career Marked by Passion and Dedication

Since officially joining the Today show full-time in 1996, Roker has become a fixture in millions of households, delivering weather reports, interviewing celebrities, 

and engaging with fans outside NBC’s Rockefeller Center studio. His signature line, “Here’s what’s going on in your neck of the woods,” has become an iconic phrase in morning television.

Roker considers his job a dream come true, and his enthusiasm for broadcasting remains strong. Looking ahead, he’s gearing up to cover the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, a task he takes great pride in. He first covered the Games for NBC in 1996, and after nearly three decades, he still cherishes the experience.

The Olympics: A Career Highlight

For Roker, the Olympics represent one of the best perks of his job. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to meet and interview some of the world’s greatest athletes, including snowboarder Shaun White, track star Allyson Felix, and legendary swimmer Michael Phelps. One standout memory for Roker was meeting Katie Ledecky when she was just a year old. Her family was in the audience at Today, and NBC even has footage of the moment—long before she became an Olympic champion.

“The exciting thing about the Olympics is that you don’t know what to be excited about,” he said. “All the names that are household names come out of nowhere. They were prepared to meet the moment.”

Beyond reporting, Roker has also participated in some of the more unconventional Olympic sports. He’s tried everything from luge and synchronized swimming to curling and rhythmic gymnastics. He recalls that synchronized swimming, in particular, was one of the most challenging experiences, requiring an immense amount of strength and coordination.

This year in Paris, Roker looks forward to introducing his Today co-hosts to some of the hidden gems of the city, including an American-style barbecue restaurant and even The Sewer Museum, which he insists is a must-visit.

Family Life and Personal Joys

While his professional career continues to thrive, Roker’s personal life is also filled with joy. He and his wife, Good Morning America correspondent Deborah Roberts, recently became grandparents. Their granddaughter, Sky Clara Laga, was born in July 2023 to Roker’s oldest daughter, Courtney.

“If I knew grandchildren would be this much fun, I would have had them first!” he joked.

Beyond his growing family, Roker remains grateful for the outpouring of support he received when he faced a major health scare in 2022. Hospitalized for months due to blood clots, he was touched by the kindness of his coworkers, friends, and fans. He credits them for helping him through a challenging time, emphasizing that he truly felt the love from a whole “city” of supporters.

The Thought of Retirement

As Roker celebrates his 70th birthday, he acknowledges the significance of reaching this milestone. His father, Albert Roker Sr., passed away just a few months before his own 70th birthday, making this year particularly meaningful for Al.

However, the idea of stepping away from his career isn’t something he’s seriously considering. With a schedule that often begins at 4 a.m., he remains as dedicated as ever to his work. When asked if he ever struggles with early mornings, he fondly recalls watching his father, a New York City bus driver, wake up and head to work every day. That memory motivates him to keep going.

Roker and his wife, Deborah, often discuss their demanding schedules, especially since they work for rival networks. While they sometimes share industry insights, they’ve built a strong foundation of trust and professionalism over the years.

Looking Ahead

For Roker, retirement remains a distant thought. As long as he continues to love what he does, he sees no reason to step away. His infectious enthusiasm for storytelling, broadcasting, and meeting new people keeps him engaged and excited about the future.

With the Paris Olympics on the horizon and a thriving career at NBC, Roker is far from slowing down. Whether he’s delivering the weather, sharing personal milestones, or participating in wacky Olympic segments, one thing is clear—Al Roker isn’t leaving Today anytime soon.

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