Al Roker was been dearly missed from Today following his hospitalization due to blood clots – but he finally made an emotional return on Friday 6 January 2023.
The beloved weatherman had his fans frantic when it was revealed he was admitted to the hospital not once, but twice. However, after returning home and recuperating with his family just in time for the holidays, Al is feeling better than ever. But what has he said about his latest health battle? Keep reading to find out…
WATCH: Al Roker makes a tearful and brief return to Today amid health battle
Al Roker Health
When recently asked about his health, Al confirmed that he is now "doing great", which he credits to the arrival of his first grandchild.
"I tell you, the thing that's kept me going is I've had a new granddaughter, " he said to Entertainment Tonight, referring to his daughter, Courtney, and son-in-law, Wes's, baby girl, Sky.
While he's doing great now, it's not always been an easy trip to recovery. As he returned to Today, Al was joined by his wife Deborah Roberts who revealed that her husband was "a very sick man".
"It's not lost on us that this is a major, major thing for Al to be here," she said. "He's a living breathing miracle. Al was a very, very sick man."
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Al also made a brief return to Today in December when his co-stars surprised him outside his Manhattan home and sang carols while wearing Santa hats.
Sharing an update on his recovery at the time, he said: "It has been a tough slog, I'm not going to lie. It has been the hardest one yet and I've had my share of surgeries. I have a lot of things and people to be thankful for."
Al was surprised by his Today co-stars outside his home
He continued: "It gives you a profound sense of gratitude for this outpouring of prayers and thanks."
Al was admitted to the hospital shortly after Thanksgiving due to blood clots that traveled to his lungs and remained hospitalized for over two weeks.
While he did return home for a brief stint, he was hospitalized once again soon after the holiday for recurring issues.
When will Al Roker return to Today?
Al returned to the NBC studios on Friday 6 January after almost two months away from the show. Upon his return, he said: "My heart is bursting. I'm so thrilled to see the crew and all of you. I'm running on adrenaline; I'm thrilled to be here."
Al returned to Today on 6 January
What is wrong with Al Roker?
Al explained his absence in an Instagram post shortly after news of his ill health was revealed.
The 68-year-old said: "So many of you have been thoughtfully asking where I've been. Last week I was admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in my leg which sent some clots into my lungs."
He added: "After some medical whack-a-mole, I am so fortunate to be getting terrific medical care and on the way to recovery. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers and hope to see you soon. Have a great weekend, everyone."
© Photo: Getty ImagesAl's wife Deborah Roberts is thankful to have him home
Al's long hospital stay isn't surprising considering blood clots can be life-threatening.
According to the Mayo Clinic, blood clots that travel from the legs to the lungs are known as a pulmonary embolism, which is a "blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs" that can block blood flow.
Is Al Roker still in hospital?
Al returned home to his family just ahead of Christmas and shared a photo of a homemade meal he had prepared, writing: "Made a beef and veggie lasagna tonight. @cleilapatra was doubtful but needed liking it."
Al also got into the festive spirit by decorating his home with his wife and children. "So thankful to be well enough to decorate the Roker Family #christmastree," he captioned a series of photos shared with his 899,000 followers.
© Photo: Getty ImagesAl's Today co-stars have wished him a speedy recovery
Al's latest health battle comes after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020. Although his doctor told him that was "bad news", he admitted that the good news was that they had caught it early.
"Your mind hears cancer, and it goes to the next level," he said. "My doctor closed the door and he said, 'I always like to have these meetings face to face,' and it was my first like, 'Oh, wait, what does that mean?'"
Al had surgery in November 2020, and in January 2021 he received the good news that his cancer was "considered undetectable".
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