‘Today’ co-host Al Roker returns to hospital after scare with blood clots

Al Roker is back in the hospital “due to some complications� after experiencing a blood-clot scare last month.

The famed weatherman was absent Thursday from NBC’s “Today� show in New York where co-anchor Hoda Kotb updated viewers on his condition. The announcement came shortly after Roker missed this year’s tree-lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center.

“It was wonderful hosting the celebration, but, of course, we all wished that Al could’ve been with us,� Kotb said. “He is in very good care. He’s resting and his doctors are keeping a close eye on him. Al and his family want everyone to know how grateful they are for all the love, the support and the well wishes.�

“We will see you back here soon, my friend,� co-anchor Craig Melvin added.

Television

Al Roker explains why he’s been away from ‘Today’: blood clots in his leg and lungs

‘Today’ host and weatherman Al Roker revealed Friday that he’s been hospitalized for a blood clot in his leg that sent clots to his lungs.

Nov. 18, 2022

During a commercial break in Wednesday’s tree-lighting broadcast, Melvin and Kotb FaceTimed their longtime pal and colleague, who gave them “a big thumbs-up� while tuning into the TV event from his hospital room.

“He seemed good,� Kotb said during Thursday’s show. “It was great to see him.�

On Nov. 18, Roker announced he was “on the way to recovery� after being hospitalized for blood clots in his leg and lungs. Because of his medical issues, the TV personality was unable to co-host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in 27 years.

“After some medical whack-a-mole, I am so fortunate to be getting terrific medical care,� Roker wrote on Instagram at the time. “Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers and hope to see you soon.�

Roker, who has long been open with “Today� viewers about his health, was released from the hospital on Thanksgiving day and managed to “catch a little bit� of the parade on TV after returning home.

“This is my version of the Thanksgiving Day Parade, getting ready to leave the hospital,� Roker said in a video posted on Instagram. “Time to blow this taco stand. Woo-hoo!�