Al Roker marked another trip around the sun exactly the way longtime Today viewers might expect: with jokes, food, music, and plenty of personality. The beloved weather anchor celebrated turning 72 live on the morning show on August 20, with his co-hosts making sure the occasion felt anything but ordinary.
According to People, the Al Roker birthday celebration included dancing on the plaza, a bacon bouquet, an early-morning cocktail, and several playful exchanges with his colleagues. After decades of waking up viewers across America, Roker seemed more than happy to spend the milestone surrounded by the people he works with every day.
Al Roker’s Birthday Celebration Included a Bouquet of Bacon
Roker kicked off the festivities by dancing during Raye’s live Citi Summer Concert Series performance on the Today Show Plaza. Wearing a plaid suit, he moved along to the music before heading inside for even more birthday surprises during the 3rd Hour of Today.
Dylan Dreyer pointed out that August 20 also happened to be National Bacon Lover’s Day, making it especially fitting for Roker. The production team presented him with a bouquet made from bacon arranged on rose stems, and he wasted little time sampling it. Roker joked that it was a bouquet he could “really get behind,” while Craig Melvin teased him about eating too much of it. The hosts kept the celebration going with a Paper Plane cocktail, adding one more unexpected touch to the morning.
The ‘Today’ Star Also Celebrated 30 Years on the Show
Outside the studio, Roker planned a relaxed dinner with family and friends after his lively morning on television. When asked whether turning 72 made him reflective, he responded with his usual humor. He also laughed about a young fan who guessed he was 53, joking that he would gladly take the compliment.
The milestone comes during another significant year for the television personality. Earlier in 2026, Roker celebrated 30 years with Today. Reflecting on that achievement, he told People that he hoped viewers never felt he had wasted their time and that they left the program feeling better than before. That attitude helps explain why an Al Roker birthday still feels like a celebration viewers can share in. After three decades on Today, his humor and warmth have become part of the show’s identity. At 72, he still appears to be enjoying the ride—especially when bacon is involved.
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