Current:Home > Contact-usAl Roker reveals when he learned of Hoda Kotb's 'Today' exit, reflects on life as a grandfather-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Al Roker reveals when he learned of Hoda Kotb's 'Today' exit, reflects on life as a grandfather
View Date:2024-12-23 14:35:04
When Al Roker received a call from Hoda Kotb at 3:45 a.m., his first thought was to "panic."
Kotb, 60, was calling to share news of her departure from the "Today" show early next year after serving as co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie since 2018. Speaking with USA TODAY in New York on Tuesday, Roker, 70, said he "couldn't be happier" for his colleague, who told fans she's stepping away to spend more time with her kids but will stay in the NBC family.
"She gets to live her life and do stuff and explore things," he said.
"If I were where Hoda is right now, I would probably do the same thing because she's got two young children," Roker said before joking that he's "on the other end. I've got one foot in the grave."
The weatherman confirmed he has "no plans" to leave the "Today" show anytime soon, as he's still "having a great time." He spoke to USA TODAY at a book signing meet and greet during an event hosted by Good Housekeeping to celebrate the 115th anniversary of its iconic seal of approval.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The "Today" anchor co-wrote the new cookbook "Al Roker's Recipes to Live By" (Legacy Lit, pp. 256, out Oct. 15) with his daughter Courtney Roker Laga, a professional chef, and it was a family affair in more ways than one. The book features recipes from the Roker family's kitchens, including meals his mom used to prepare. But because many of the recipes were never written down, Roker said his daughter acted like a "recipe detective," interviewing family members to piece the precise ingredients together — all while pregnant.
"OK, you're birthing a book and a baby," he joked. "Wow. A little overachiever."
Hoda Kotbdetails 'weird' decision to leave 'Today' show after 16 years
Roker, who stressed he's "not a chef" like his daughter, was so impressed by her culinary skills while assembling the book that a "Star Wars" quote came to mind. "The student has become the master," he said, channeling Darth Vader.
Last July, Roker became a grandfather for the first time when his daughter Courtney welcomed a baby girl with her husband Wes. More than a year later, he tells USA TODAY that being a grandpa has been "crazy" and fills him with "euphoria."
Al Rokersays his family protected him from knowing how 'severe' his health issues were
"I was one of those people where friends would come in or co-workers and they're talking about their grandkids and showing pictures and I'm like, 'Blah, blah, blah. Nobody's kid is that great,'" he quipped. "I'm that guy now. And guess what? I don't care! I will bore you, and I will whip out the pictures, and I will tell you every unbelievable thing that she's done in the last week."
"You meet this little person, and you're instantly in love," he continued. "That happened with each of my children, but even more so with your grandchild, at least for me. It's like, 'Oh my God. Where have you been all my life?' Somebody told me, 'If I'd known they would be this great, I would have had them first.' And it's true."
It's been almost two years since Roker experienced a major health scare, as he was hospitalized at the end of 2022 with blood clots and bleeding ulcers. He said he's "doing well" these days and feels "very blessed," noting the experience changed the way he looks at things and bestowed more appreciation of the "grace and goodness of strangers."
Looking not too far ahead, Roker expressed excitement for the "Today" show's upcoming Halloween episode. "I still don't know what we're doing," he said. "I'm sure somebody told me, but that's the great thing about being 70: Everything's new."
veryGood! (5484)
Related
- NASCAR Championship race live updates, how to watch: Cup title on the line at Phoenix
- NBA In-Season Tournament an early success with room for greater potential with tweaks
- Lionel Messi is TIME's 2023 Athlete of the Year: What we learned about Inter Miami star
- Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree tops Billboard Hot 100 chart for first time since 1958 release
- All Social Security retirees should do this by Nov. 20
- Midwest mystery: Iowa man still missing, 2 weeks after semi holding baby pigs was found on highway
- Beyoncé climbs ranks of Forbes' powerful women list: A look back at her massive year
- Can you answer these 60 Christmas trivia questions on movies, music and traditions?
- Tua Tagovailoa playing with confidence as Miami Dolphins hope MNF win can spark run
- Jacky Oh's Partner DC Young Fly Shares Their Kids' Moving Message 6 Months After Her Death
Ranking
- Horoscopes Today, November 13, 2024
- Rep. Patrick McHenry, former temporary House speaker, to retire from Congress
- Atmospheric river brings heavy rain, flooding and warm winter temperatures to the Pacific Northwest
- Former DEA informant pleads guilty in 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president
- Repair Hair Damage In Just 90 Seconds With This Hack from WNBA Star Kamilla Cardoso
- Georgia lawmakers advance congressional map keeping 9-5 GOP edge; legislative maps get final passage
- High-speed rail line linking Las Vegas and Los Angeles area gets $3B Biden administration pledge
- Former U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia Manuel Rocha accused of spying for Cuba for decades
Recommendation
-
NBA players express concern for ex-player Kyle Singler after social media post
-
Tennessee man gets 60-plus months in prison for COVID relief fraud
-
An Inevitable Showdown With the Fossil Fuel Industry Is Brewing at COP28
-
US makes offer to bring home jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. Russia rejected it
-
Jessica Simpson's Husband Eric Johnson Steps Out Ringless Amid Split Speculation
-
Former U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia Manuel Rocha accused of spying for Cuba for decades
-
Horoscopes Today, December 5, 2023
-
More U.S. companies no longer requiring job seekers to have a college degree