Al Roker Felt Like He 'Ruined Thanksgiving' Last Year with His Health Crisis When He 'Almost Died'

Al Roker. Al Rokeris reflecting on the near-death experience he had last year as he approaches the holiday season. “It’s no secret that I had a severe medical issue, and to be completely honest, I almost died. I didn’t know it at the time,” the 69-year-old said, noting that his loved ones kept that information from him so he could focus on recovering. “But I missed Thanksgiving, and almost missed Christmas,” Roker added.

Al Roker Gets Emotional on First Day Back at 'Today' Since Health Crisis: 'My Heart Is Bursting'

Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Hoda Kotb.Photo: l Al Rokerbrought the sunshine and the showers on his first day back atTodaysinceblood clots in his leg and lungssent him to the hospital. On Friday, the 68-year-old weathermanreturned to the popular NBC morning news programfor his first in-studio appearance in two months — a milestone that was met with applause, laughter and even a cry or two. “The countdown is over. 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,” anchorSavannah Guthrieexplained at the top of the show.

Al Roker Gets Sweet Support from 'Today' Show Crew as He Makes His Broadway Debut in 'Waitress'

The veteran weatherman, 64, made hisBroadway debut in the musicalWaitresson Friday, and hisTodayshow colleagues came along to show their support. “@alroker! Here is your cheering section!!!”Hoda Kotbwrote on Instagram alongside a group photo of the excited bunch. “We love you,” she continued, adding two heart emojis. She also shared a photo of herself andKathie Lee Giffordgrinning in expectation, which she captioned, “Waiting for @alroker.” Savannah Guthriealso expressed her excitement on social media, sharing a variety of photos from the big night.

Al Roker Gives Recovery Update After Knee Replacement Surgery: 'This One Is a Little More Complicated'

Al Rokermade a virtual appearance on theTodayshow Monday morning, to update viewers on the status of his recoveryafter undergoing knee surgery. The longtime weatherman — who is taking time off from the NBC morning show after going under the knife on May 9 — called in to catch up withSavannah Guthrie,Hoda Kotb,Craig MelvinandDylan Dreyer. “It’s Monday, I’m home from the hospital,” he joked. “Just another day!” Asked how his recovery was going, Roker, 68, told his friends and colleagues that his knee was still feeling “stiff.

Al Roker Has Created a Southern BBQ-Inspired Burger for Shake Shack

Photo: Jim Spellman/WireImage Al Roker is about to feed your burger addiction. Roker created the burger as part of theTodayOriginal series, where he and fellow hosts Matt Lauer andSavannah Guthriemake their own products to benefit their chosen charities. Roker’s burger is available for $7.49, and a dollar from each sale will go towards theNo Kid Hungrycharity. “Creating a burger with the folks at Shake Shack is exciting,” Al Roker toldToday.“Creating a burger that helps childhood hunger is inspiring.