Longtime Today show meteorologist Al Roker is contemplating his future with the morning show after his colleague Hoda Kotb announced her decision to step away from the program. 

However, while retirement is something he has started to consider, the beloved weather anchor has no immediate plans to depart.

Roker, who has been a staple of Today since 1996, recently opened up about the possibility of retirement during an event at the first-ever Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. 

Speaking candidly about the topic, he acknowledged that the time will eventually come but assured fans it is not just yet.

“You know when you know,” Roker told PEOPLE, referencing the timing of major career decisions. 

He pointed out that individuals from various walks of life, including public figures like President Joe Biden, 

all have their reasons for knowing when it is the right time to step away from their roles.

Reflecting on Kotb’s announcement, he noted that she had come to a personal decision that felt right for her, something he can respect. “That was the kind of the beautiful thing for Hoda,” he said.

Roker’s Thoughts on His Future

Despite contemplating his own career’s trajectory, Roker is in no rush to leave Today. He admitted that retirement is something he thinks about occasionally but feels that he still has more to give.

“I don’t feel like that’s my time yet, but who knows. Maybe a year or two. Maybe not, but I’m enjoying it. I love this,” the 70-year-old television personality explained. “You don’t get off the train until the last stop.”

Roker’s remarks suggest that while he acknowledges his eventual retirement, he remains committed to his role and is still passionate about his work. His presence has been a comforting and familiar one for viewers for nearly three decades, making it understandable why he isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.

Hoda Kotb’s Emotional Farewell Announcement

Hoda Kotb, who has co-hosted Today for years, made a tearful announcement on September 26 that she would be stepping away from her role in early 2025. Surrounded by her co-hosts, including Roker, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones, Kotb explained her decision, revealing that it stemmed from a desire to spend more time with her young children.

The 60-year-old host, who became a mother later in life, shared that she wants to devote more attention to her daughters, Haley and Hope. Through tears, she explained, “I had my kiddos later in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.”

Kotb reassured fans that while she is leaving Today, she will remain part of the NBC family in a different capacity. “I’m gonna be here through the first of the year — past the first of the year — and I’m gonna stay in the NBC family, but it’s kind of a big deal for me,” she said.

Roker’s Support for Kotb’s Decision

While Kotb’s departure marks a significant change for Today, Roker expressed his happiness for her. He told PEOPLE that he couldn’t feel sad about the news because she was making a choice that felt right for her and her family.

“I would feel much worse if she was leaving, but she’s just doing something else within our NBC News family,” he said, emphasizing that she isn’t disappearing entirely from viewers’ screens.

As a father himself, Roker fully understands the reasoning behind Kotb’s decision. He reflected on his own experiences as a parent, recalling how fortunate he was to watch his children grow up, especially his eldest daughter, Courtney. When she was younger, he worked in local news, which allowed him to spend more time with his family in the mornings.

Speaking about Kotb’s daughters, he acknowledged how quickly time passes with children. “Those moments, those kids grow up. I mean, it’s cliché, but because it’s true. It’s like you blink,” he said. “So I understand exactly why she did it.”

A New Chapter for Today

Kotb’s upcoming departure signals a major shift for the Today show, and while Roker has started to think about his own retirement, for now, he remains committed to his role. His dedication to the show and its viewers is evident, and while change is inevitable, fans can take comfort in knowing that Roker will continue to be part of their mornings—at least for a little while longer.

As Today prepares to enter a new era, it remains clear that both Roker and Kotb have left a lasting impact on the show, and their contributions will be remembered long after they decide to take their final bows.

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