Al Roker Reflects on 30 Years on Today and Addresses Retirement

For decades, Al Roker has been a familiar and reassuring presence in American living rooms. His voice, warmth, and steady delivery helped define mornings for generations of viewers tuning in to Today. Now, as he marks a major milestone, the longtime weathercaster is reflecting on what the job has meant—and what still lies ahead.

According to Yahoo! Entertainment, in a recent interview marking his 30th anniversary on Today, Al Roker spoke candidly about legacy, longevity, and why he remains focused on the work rather than the clock. At 71, he’s still showing up with the same enthusiasm that carried him into television in the first place.

How Old Is Al Roker, and How Did His Career Begin?

Roker loves spending time with his children. / Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency

For those wondering how old Al Roker is, the beloved broadcaster is 71, with a career that spans more than four decades. His journey with NBC began in the late 1970s at WKYC in Ohio, before a move to New York’s WNBC-TV in 1983. Those early years laid the foundation for what would become a historic run in morning television.

Al Roker Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade — Al Roker/ImageCollect

His work as a weathercaster eventually led him to Today, where he served as a fill-in anchor throughout the early 1990s. By January 1996, Roker officially became the show’s regular weatherman. Over time, he expanded his role, interviewing cultural icons and helping shape the tone of the broadcast beyond the forecast.

Is Al Roker Retiring From the Today Show?

THE TODAY SHOW (from left): Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales, Matt Lauer, and Al Roker (aired May 16, 2013). photo: Peter Kramer / © NBC / courtesy Everett Collection

With such a long tenure, it’s natural for viewers to ask: is Al Roker retiring? According to his own words, retirement isn’t on his mind. While he openly acknowledges that no one stays forever, he’s clear that he doesn’t see himself stepping away anytime soon.

THE TODAY SHOW (aka TODAY), from left: Natalie Morales, Savannah Guthrie, Matt Lauer, and Al Roker (in Sochi, Russia, at the 2014 Winter Olympics) (aired Feb. 2, 2014). photo: Joe Scarnici / © NBC / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Instead, Al Roker views himself as a temporary steward of a much larger legacy. He recently celebrated his 30-year milestone with an “Al-iversary” on Today, complete with tributes from colleagues and guests. He also continues to cohost the 3rd Hour of Today alongside Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer, a role he says he genuinely loves.