If you woke up and saw a frantic search query about whether Al Roker passed away today, take a deep breath. You can relax. Honestly, the internet has a weird, dark habit of killing off our favorite celebrities before their time, and Al is usually at the top of that list because he’s been so open about his health battles.
He’s alive. He’s well. Actually, he’s probably cracking a joke right now in Studio 1A.
It’s January 16, 2026, and Al Roker is very much still the beating heart of the Today show. In fact, if you tuned in this morning, you probably saw him laughing along with Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie while John Mellencamp asked him some pretty hilarious, and slightly pointed, questions about why weather forecasts are sometimes, well, wrong.
The Rumor Mill vs. Reality
Why does this keep happening? Basically, whenever Al takes a day off or posts a throwback photo, the "death hoax" machine starts spinning. It’s kinda exhausting. People see a headline about a "tribute" or "sad news" and immediately jump to the worst conclusion.
Most of the time, these rumors are just clickbait. They prey on the fact that Al has had some legitimate scares in the past couple of years. We all remember late 2022 and early 2023. That was a rough stretch. He was dealing with blood clots that traveled to his lungs, internal bleeding, and surgeries that he later admitted nearly took him out.
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But that’s the thing about Al—he’s resilient. He didn't just survive; he came back with that same "neck of the woods" energy we’ve loved for decades.
Al Roker's Health: Where Things Stand in 2026
Since those big scares, Al has been a huge advocate for listening to your body. He doesn’t sugarcoat it. He’s dealt with prostate cancer, knee replacements, and gastric bypass complications over the years.
- Prostate Cancer: Diagnosed in 2020, he had surgery and has been a vocal supporter of regular screenings ever since, especially for Black men who are at higher risk.
- Mobility: He had a "knee revision" surgery in 2023. You’ll notice he’s always walking now. He’s obsessed with his step count.
- Daily Routine: He’s still waking up at 4:00 AM. He still hits his walking goals. He still cooks those incredible-looking breakfasts he shares on Instagram.
Honestly, the guy has more energy at 71 than most people half his age. He’s mentioned before that he wants to keep doing this until the "wheels fall off."
The Mellencamp Moment
Just this morning—Friday, January 16—Al was right there on the third hour. John Mellencamp was on the show to promote his "Dancing Words" tour and ended up playfully grilling Al. It was classic morning TV. Mellencamp even gave a heavy update on his daughter Teddi’s health, which made the mood a bit somber, but Al was the one providing the steady, empathetic presence he’s known for.
Why the "Passed Away" Searches Spiked
There are usually three reasons why "did Al Roker passed away today" trends:
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- Social Media Scams: Fake Facebook pages often post "R.I.P. Al Roker" to drive traffic to shady websites.
- Misinterpreted Tributes: Sometimes Al posts a tribute to a friend or a former colleague who did pass away, and people skim the caption too fast.
- The "Hoda" Effect: With Hoda Kotb having moved into a new role recently, people are hyper-sensitive to changes in the Today lineup. Any absence feels like a permanent exit.
But let’s be clear: Al isn't going anywhere yet. He’s repeatedly said he loves the job too much to quit. "They’ll have to drag me out of here screaming and kicking," he told one reporter recently.
What You Should Do Instead of Worrying
If you're a fan of Al, the best way to support him isn't by checking for death notices. It’s by following his actual advice.
Go get your checkup. If you're a guy over 45, talk to your doctor about your PSA levels. Start walking. Al’s "Start Today" walking group is still a massive thing for a reason—it’s simple, and it works.
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Whenever you see a shocking headline about a celebrity death, do a quick "sniff test." Check the major news outlets like NBC News, CNN, or the Associated Press. If a legend like Al Roker actually passed away, it wouldn't be a rumor on a random blog; it would be the only thing on every TV screen in America.
So, for now, you can keep looking for him in your "neck of the woods" every morning. He’s doing just fine.
Next Steps for You:
Check out Al Roker's latest "Start Today" walking challenge on the NBC website if you want to get moving, or take a look at his new cookbook if you’re looking for some "breakfast miracles" to try out this weekend.