
- Al Roker, the longtime NBC meteorologist, is a staple at the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But for the first time in 27 years, Roker isn’t MCing the festivities.
- Earlier this month, Roker was hospitalized for blood clots.
- He disclosed the medical problem last week on social media.
Al Roker missed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in 27 years due to a health emergency.
Recently, the renowned “Today” meteorologist revealed that he was hospitalized due to a blood clot that moved from his leg to his lungs.
Roker said on his verified Instagram account, “After some medical whack-a-mole, I am very blessed to be receiving excellent medical treatment and on the mend.” “I appreciate the well wishes and prayers, and I look forward to seeing you soon.”
It prevented Roker from co-hosting the annual parade with his “Today” colleagues Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, as was his custom.
Thursday’s ceremony was covered by NBC meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, who received a call from President Joe Biden and first wife Jill Biden, who inquired about Roker’s health.
Dreyer informed them that her colleague is thriving.
Dylan Dreyer, a Manalapan-born “Today” and NBC News meteorologist, filled in for Al Roker as a roving co-host and also took a call from President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden.
Roker tweeted last week that he has been absent from work due to a major health situation.
However, his absence was news to many on Thanksgiving morning.
Roker tweeted on November 18: “So many of you have been thoughtfully inquiring where I’ve been.” “I was brought to the hospital last week with a blood clot in my leg that traveled to my lungs. I am extremely blessed to be receiving excellent care and making progress toward recovery. Many thanks for your well wishes and prayers.”
In 2020, the longstanding “Today” weather anchor underwent prostate cancer surgery.

Fans of Roker continued to wish him well, but for many, the ostentatious holiday morning routine was no longer the same without him.
Who, for example, was going to order the Butter to leave, per the 2019 Thanksgiving Day Parade meme inspired by Al Roker?