Al Roker Reminisces Near-Death Experience In Celebration Of 69th Birthday

Al Roker has flashed back to a dark experience that nearly took his life.

Amid celebrating his 69th birthday, the longtime journalist and weather reporter delved into the details of the health challenges that rocked his world last year. Considering that he suffered internal bleeding and blood clots that moved from his legs to his lungs, Roker shared a sweet video from his morning walk, explaining why he feels "more than grateful" to mark the major milestone this year.

Donning a green graphic shirt, baseball cap, and photochromic glasses, Roker walked briskly by the lake to kick off his birthday. Talking to the camera, the weatherman began:

"This is my 69th anniversary of orbiting the sun, and after everything I went through at the end of last year, I am more than grateful to be celebrating this birthday."

He continued by sending an appreciative shoutout to everyone who sent some well wishes his way over the past year. He also thanked members of the Start TODAY community and his family, including his wife Deborah, "for getting me out of the hospital," he said, and his three children — Nick, Leila, and Courtney.

After gushing over his granddaughter — Sky Clara, the superstar wrapped up by saying, "A lot to be grateful for on this birthday. [I'm] glad to be alive. And thank you." 

To show how much she meant to him, Roker made a stand-alone post of the adorable Sky alongside a special message. In the two photos he shared, the doting grandpa is seen holding the tot on his lap as he seemingly engaged her in conversation.

An unbothered Sky kept her gaze away from Roker's, choosing instead to stare sideways in the first shot and directly at the camera in the second. For her outfit, she stunned in a red onesie, white socks, and matching hair band.

Beneath the snaps, her granddad simply wrote, "Best #birthdaypresent." The short caption seemed impressive to the Xavier High School alum's fans, who took to the comments to air their wishes and thoughts.

"Happy Birthday, Al! You deserve the best! What a precious baby girl!," one fan exclaimed, and another penned, "Grandpa looks good on you sir ?." A third netizen chimed, "Happy Happy Birthday and you are holding your most precious gift !!!!"

A fourth person claimed, "Nothing better than a squishy baby in your arms," as a fifth gushed:

"What A Beautiful Birthday Present...Al, I remember You saying You wanted to be Healthy so You could be here for Your Grandkids because Your Dad couldn't & LOOK, YOU'VE DONE IT!!! U ARE A JOY TO WITNESS... May GOD Continue To Bless You & Your Loved Ones..Amen…"

Fans had similarly applauded Roker when he dropped an image of baby Sky in his arms. While the adorable little girl wore a yellow onesie, her famous grandfather sported his work clothes. He effusively stated in the caption:

"I could look into this face all day. But then, little Sky Clara wouldn't get to eat, so I eventually had to give her back to Mommy and Daddy."

As mentioned above, the "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?" one-time star suffered a serious health scare that resulted in his hospitalization. As The Blast shared, a clot was discovered on his leg in November 2022, and shortly after, the clot broke into numerous pieces that traveled to his lungs.

Although the incident caused fear in his wife and children's hearts, the "Sharknado 2: The Second One" cameo star made it through the challenge, getting released just ahead of Thanksgiving. 

Celebrating the feat, he shared a heartwarming clip of himself that showed him excitedly yelling as he walked out of the hospital rocking a black cap, a green shirt, and dark pants. Roker typed in the caption:

"This is my version of the Thanksgiving Day parade. Getting ready to leave the hospital. Time to blow this taco stand. So much to be #thankful for on the #thanksgiving day. Leaving the hospital and home for #thanksgivingdinner."

The occasional "3rd Hour Today" co-host subsequently posted a picture of himself grinning from ear to ear while sitting in front of a television set in his home kitchen. 

"Back home in time to catch a little bit of the #macysthanksgivingdayparade," he shared via the caption. Both posts called the attention of his fans and many of them expressed their excitement that one of their favorite television personalities was back to himself.