Al Roker Shares His Reflections on Retirement During His 30-Year Celebration at the Today Show

Al Roker on ‘Today’ in 2024.
Credit: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Al Roker Reflects on 30 Years with the Today Show

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Al Roker marks his 30th anniversary at the Today show, expressing no immediate thoughts of retirement. The 71-year-old meteorologist revealed his intentions for the future, affirming his ongoing enthusiasm for his role on NBC’s morning program.

“I haven’t thought about retirement,” Roker stated, adding humorously, “Somebody at NBC, that might be a different story.” His passion for weather broadcasting remains as strong as when he took over the role from the late Willard Scott in 1996. He emphasized, “I love what I do. I feel good. I love this job. I love doing it. At some point, I guess I won’t be, but I don’t feel like that’s anytime soon, so I’m just gonna keep going.”

Roker noted that the essence of the Today show transcends any single broadcaster. “The mission over these 74 years has not changed,” he explained. “We are each temporary custodians of this legacy … at some point, I won’t be part of the show; somebody else will be, but to be part of a pretty cool club is very special."

Al Roker, Katie Couric, Matt Lauer and Ann Curry on ‘Today’ in 1996.
Credit: Darryl Estrine/NBC/NBC NewsWire via Getty

Reflecting on his impressive tenure, Roker recalled a standout day about a decade ago when he interviewed icons like Don Rickles, Betty White, Carl Reiner, and Dick Van Dyke in a single 24-hour period. “I’m a kid from Queens out doing this,” he said, highlighting the significance of such moments in his career.

Al Roker delivers the forecast on the ‘Today’ show in January 2025.
Credit: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Roker also reminisced about a poignant encounter during President Barack Obama’s 2013 inauguration. “It was a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. I’m thinking my parents are looking down and going, ‘Our son was acknowledged by the President of the United States,’” he reflected, emphasizing the gravity of that experience.

Amidst his continued dedication to the Today show, Roker articulated his desired legacy: “People, when they watch, that they didn’t feel like I wasted their time. And that hopefully they felt better after watching than before.”