Al Roker is celebrating a major career milestone — 30 years at NBC’s Today — and he’s not planning to step away anytime soon. The veteran weatherman and beloved TV personality recently spoke with PEOPLE about his future, firmly shutting down speculation that retirement is on the horizon.
“I Love What I Do”
“I haven’t thought about retirement,” Roker said, joking that “somebody at NBC might feel differently.” He added, “I love what I do. I feel good. I love this job. I love doing it. At some point I guess I won’t be, but I don’t feel like that’s anytime soon, so I’m just gonna keep going.”
Roker has been a fixture on Today since 1996, when he succeeded the late Willard Scott. Over three decades, he has become one of the most recognizable faces in morning television, known for his warmth, humor, and signature fedora.
Honoring a Legacy
Reflecting on his career, Roker praised the show’s enduring mission. “The beauty of the broadcast is that the mission over these 74 years has not changed,” he said. “We are each temporary custodians of this legacy. At some point I won’t be part of the show, somebody else will be, but to be part of a pretty cool club is very special.”
He admitted that being on Today was never something he imagined for himself. “To say that this was a dream job isn’t really accurate because it never dawned on me that I could be on the Today show,” Roker explained.
Celebrating “Al-iversary”
To mark his 30th anniversary, Today hosted an “Al-iversary” special filled with tributes from colleagues, celebrity guests, and playful nods to Roker’s style. Howard Stern even joined in, teasing Roker to reveal behind-the-scenes secrets. Roker laughed off the request, promising to share stories “after I’m finally off the air — but not until then.” He added with humor, “I need this job. I got a daughter getting married this spring.”
A Career Built on Connection
Roker also serves as co-host of Today’s “3rd Hour” alongside Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer. Over the years, he has interviewed countless entertainment legends, including Betty White, Carl Reiner, and Dick Van Dyke.
In his anniversary remarks, Roker expressed gratitude to his colleagues and viewers. “My family here means so much to me. I think about my parents, too. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Allen and Isabel Roker. And all of you,” he said. “It’s just been an honor.” For now, Roker is focused on continuing the work he loves, proving that his forecast for retirement is still far off.
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