If you just typed "when did Al Roker die" into your search bar, take a deep breath. You can stop worrying. Al Roker is not dead. As of January 2026, the legendary Today show weatherman is very much alive, kicking, and still bringing us the "weather in your neck of the woods."
It’s kind of wild how these rumors get started, right? You see a vague headline on social media, or maybe a "tribute" video with a somber thumbnail pops up in your feed, and suddenly everyone is panicked. We’ve all been there. But honestly, the reason people keep asking this is likely tied to some pretty scary health battles Al has actually faced over the last few years. He’s had some close calls—real "edge of your seat" stuff—that he has been incredibly open about.
Why People Think Al Roker Passed Away
The confusion usually stems from late 2022. That was a rough year for Uncle Al. He was hospitalized for blood clots that started in his leg and migrated to his lungs. It was serious. So serious, in fact, that he missed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in 27 years. For many Americans, Al is Thanksgiving, so his absence felt like a massive red flag.
He didn't just have a "little stay" in the hospital. It was a harrowing journey involving:
- Internal bleeding that caused him to lose half his blood volume.
- Two bleeding ulcers.
- A resection of his colon.
- Gallbladder removal surgery.
- Blood clots in his lungs (pulmonary emboli).
Roker later admitted on the Your Mama's Kitchen podcast that he "almost died." His wife, Deborah Roberts, described it as a "medical mystery" for weeks. When a beloved public figure says they almost died, the internet tends to remember the "died" part and forget the "almost."
Al Roker's Health Status in 2026
Fast forward to today, January 2026. Al is 71 years old and remarkably resilient. Just this week, he was on air celebrating his co-host Craig Melvin’s induction into the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame. He’s also been busy promoting a new project with PBS and planning a book tour with his wife for her latest release, Sisters Loved and Treasured.
He’s basically the bionic man at this point. Over the years, he’s had:
- Gastric bypass surgery (2002)
- Multiple knee replacements (including a complex "revision" in 2023)
- Hip replacement
- Prostate cancer surgery (2020)
- Carpal tunnel surgery
In November 2025, Al shared a five-year update on his prostate cancer journey. He went in for his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) check and told fans that everything looked good. He’s used his platform to urge other men, especially men of color who are at higher risk, to get checked. It’s that kind of transparency that makes people feel so connected to him—and why they get so protective when rumors fly.
The Anatomy of a Celebrity Death Hoax
Why does the "when did Al Roker die" search spike every few months? It’s usually a mix of three things. First, there are those "clickbait" ads at the bottom of news sites with titles like "A Sad Goodbye to Al Roker" which actually just mean he’s leaving for a week-long vacation. Second, whenever he takes a personal day or a "special assignment" trip (like his recent trek to LAX for a story), viewers notice he’s gone and fear the worst.
Third, AI-generated "obituary" videos on YouTube are a plague. They use synthesized voices to read Wikipedia entries and put "RIP" on the thumbnail just to farm views. It’s gross, but it works, and it keeps these false questions trending.
What Al Is Doing Now
If you want to see what he’s actually up to, just check his Instagram. He’s usually posting about his "Start TODAY" walking challenge or showing off what he’s cooking for dinner. He’s a grandfather now—his daughter Courtney has a little girl named Sky—and he seems more focused on family and "touchstone moments" than ever before.
He’s also still a powerhouse at NBC. Between the weather, his production company (Al Roker Entertainment), and his books, the guy has more energy than people half his age.
How to Verify Celebrity News
Next time you see a shocking headline about a celebrity passing, here’s a quick checklist to see if it’s real before you hit the panic button:
- Check the Big Three: If a major star actually passes, The Associated Press, NBC News, and The New York Times will have it on their homepages within minutes.
- Look at the Source: If the news is coming from "DailyNewsBreak.co.xyz" or a random TikTok account with 40 followers, it’s probably fake.
- Social Media Activity: Check the person's official Instagram or Twitter. Usually, family members or the stars themselves will post updates if they are just dealing with a minor illness or a vacation.
- The "Context Clue" Test: Is the headline "A Final Farewell" or "Tragic News for Al Roker"? Those are classic clickbait phrases used to describe someone retiring, moving houses, or just having a common surgery.
Al Roker has been a staple of morning television since the 90s. He’s survived more surgeries than most of us have had cold symptoms, and he continues to be a "living, breathing miracle," as his wife calls him. So, the answer to when did Al Roker die is simple: He hasn't. Keep a close eye on the Today show website or Al’s official social media channels for the most accurate updates on his life and health. If he’s missing for a few days, he’s likely just enjoying a well-earned vacation or filming a segment in some far-flung corner of the world.
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Next Steps for You: If you’re concerned about prostate health or want to follow Al's lead on wellness, check out the Start TODAY walking group on Facebook. It’s the community Al regularly promotes to help people get moving. Also, if you’re a man over 45 (or 40 if you have a family history), talk to your doctor about a routine PSA blood test. It’s the very test Al credits with saving his life back in 2020.