Today’s Al Roker is back! The 68-year-old weatherman returned to work after being hospitalized for blood clots in his lungs and legs for two months.
During Friday’s taping, Today co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb expressed to viewers that the day was special.
“The countdown is over,” Guthrie said at the show’s beginning. “After nearly two months away, Al is ready to re-join us here in Studio 1A, and we cannot wait to throw our arms around our ray of sunshine. It is a really special day…and I’m sorry because the tears are already flowing, because Al Roker is back!”
As Roker walked out and hugged Kotb and Guthrie, the entire staff, including the camera crew, gave him a round of applause. Guthrie told him everyone missed him and that the workplace was “nothing” without his presence.
“The crew is weepy,” Kotb said. “The crowd outside, they’ve been waiting for you. They’ve been bummed every day we walk out there like, ‘Where is Al?’”
Roker spoke, saying that he shared the same feeling.
“I have missed you guys so very much,” he stated. “You are my second family and it’s just great to be back — and wearing pants! It’s so much fun.”
He continued, “My heart is just bursting. I’m just so thrilled to see all of you and the crew. Right now I’m running on adrenaline.”
Roker also took to Instagram to express how happy he was to be back at work.
“It is good to be back!! Love being with my tv family here on @todayshow,” the post read.
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His wife, Deborah Roberts, took to Instagram to share her gratitude for her beau getting back to work and slowly returning to his routine.
“Friday finish! After a grueling and frightening health journey, my sweet @alroker is back at work and slowly getting back to his life thanks to a brilliant medical team and the uplifting thoughts and prayers of so many of you. My family has learned the power of love, patience and faith,” Roberts wrote in the post. “Our #gratitude is beyond measure. Morning show competition took a breather today as I visited him on set. Thanks @abcnews and @nbcnews for showing us the spirit of true camaraderie and connection.”
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