In a Thanksgiving Day update, Al Roker shares videos and photos from the hospital where he is recovering.
And some exciting news! He is about to be released from the hospital after being treated for blood clots that had moved from his legs into his lungs for several days.
“All right, here’s my take on the Thanksgiving Day parade. As I prepare to leave the hospital, it’s time to blow this taco stand! Woohoo!” Roker stated this in a video he posted just an hour earlier of himself roaming the corridors of the hospital.
“Yay Al!!!! I adore this video!!! The parade would not have been the same without YOU!!!” “Yasss!! We are now very grateful for you!!! And all the doctors and nurses that looked after our loved one!” Jenna Bush Hager also contributed.
Al then posted a second photo of himself with his thumbs up in front of the TV at home, watching his coworkers continue the tradition without him.
“I got back in time to see a little piece of the #macysthanksgivingdayparade. I miss being with @savannahguthrie and @hodakotb.”
This is Al Roker’s first time missing the parade in 27 years. And he was sorely missed.
Many people have been aware of Al Roker’s recent absences from the regular Today Show cast during the last two weeks, and now the world knows why.
Roker shared a recent health scare that left him in the hospital in a statement he released on his personal Instagram page on Friday. Roker revealed a few more information alongside a photo of a bouquet of flowers.
“So many of you have gently asked as to where I’ve been,” Roker continued. “I was brought to the hospital last week with a blood clot in my leg that had spread to my lungs.”
“After some medical whack-a-mole, I am very grateful to be receiving excellent medical care and on my way to recovery. Thank you for your kind words and prayers, and I hope to see you soon. Everyone have a wonderful weekend.”
Roker did not say when he would return to the Today Show or whether he would reprise one of his iconic roles for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Many of his Today Show colleagues wished him a fast recovery in the comments section of his piece.
“Al Roker- come back to us… counting the days xoxoxo,” Hoda Kotb commented. “Love you Al!” Jenna Bush Hager said. ” Please hurry home. You are missed greatly and adored!”
“Love you Al, and praying for a rapid recovery every day!” Dylan Dryer stated. Craig Melvin added, “Love you brother… I can’t wait to see you again!”
“You’re the strongest person we know,” Savannah Guthrie added. “We miss you and hope to see you soon!”
As of Sunday, November 20, no other information about Roker’s health or recovery had been released.
“He’s in good spirits, we’ve all talked to him,” Guthrie remarked on the show on Friday. “He’s in terrific spirits,” Kotb added.