al roker deborah roberts family loss© Photo: Getty Images

Al Roker and Deborah Roberts mourn heartbreaking loss of her sister

The ABC journalist is one of many siblings

Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
July 5, 2022

Deborah Roberts had a heartrending end to her long 4th of July weekend as she dealt with the devastating loss of her oldest sister, Annette.

MORE: Al Roker and Deborah Roberts enjoy family reunion before son Nick's bittersweet departure for college

The ABC journalist and wife of Today's Al Roker took to social media to share a pair of portraits of her late family member alongside an emotional tribute.

VIDEO: Al Roker shares update from dangerous new adventure

She told her sister's incredible story, detailing: "We have lost the glow of a warm light in my family. My oldest sister, Annette, has left us. She struggled against Alzheimer's for 5-6 years before succumbing to complications which robbed her of everything that made her so special. 

"I hate this disease. Annette was my role model as I grew up. She was the first in our family to go to college. And she always managed to look like a movie star to me. I owe my love of high fashion to her. (Or I blame her for it)."

MORE: Al Roker's son Nick's challenging road to latest milestone achievement

Deborah continued on about her sister's penchant for style, saying: "After she got a job during her years at Ft. Valley State college, she bought the most beautiful ready to wear clothing at a high end shop in our town called Vanity Fair. 

© Photo: Instagram

Deborah mourned the loss of her oldest sister

"I'd never seen such lovely dresses, scarves or shoes. Annette was always the picture of elegance. And she was a stickler for order and tidiness. It might explain why she became an account executive. 

"Annette and her husband lived in Germany for years where her husband was stationed in the Air Force. I marveled at her worldliness as she began to travel. They eventually settled in Houston in a beautiful home. 

MORE: Robin Roberts receives beautiful tribute for pride from co-star Deborah Roberts

MORE: Deborah Roberts stuns in summer shorts and heels – fans react

She detailed her family life as well, saying: "Annette was a bit reserved and held her emotions in check but she was passionate about her son Justin, her husband Richard and all of her family. Her granddaughter, Alana stole her heart. 

The star concluded: "Annette was a pragmatic and strong woman who believed in possibilities. While I'm relieved that her suffering has ended, I will miss her fiercely."

© Photo: Instagram

The ABC journalist recently reunited with her siblings

Deborah was quickly inundated with supportive words from colleagues and fans, many of whom sent condolences and left messages like: "You will be in my thoughts during this difficult time," and: "She sounds like a wonderful role model. Hang on to the happy memories."

Read more HELLO! US stories here

Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best celebrity coverage

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Celebrity News

See more