TODAY Show has announced Al Roker’s return after weeks off the air as he recovered from blood clots in his legs and lungs.
The weatherman has been struggling with health complications since mid-November.
But Al, 68, is finally slated to return to the morning program on Friday, January 6th, according to the network.
The reporter has been recovering at home after he was finally released from medical care in December.
He was hospitalized twice in November and has not appeared on the Today show since.
DIFFICULT RECOVERY
The TV legend spoke about his recovery when he made a virtual appearance on Today recently.
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“You lose a certain amount of muscle mass for every week you’re in the hospital and I was in the hospital for four weeks,” he said.
“So there is a certain amount of weakness. I’m doing physical therapy every day, and occupational therapy. I’ve got to get my strength back.”
Al said he had planned to have a knee replacement in January but since he is still recovering, he has had to push that surgery back.
He continued: “But I feel good. I feel strong. Every day is a little better than the last, and I made dinner last night.
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“I just feel like there’s gonna be a little bit of a slog. But there are people who have to deal with a lot more with a lot fewer resources. I’m very fortunate and very blessed to have the resources.”
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
The beloved weatherman‘s condition did improve enough for him to head to an upstate New York lodge to celebrate Christmas.
Al posed with his wife and children in matching green pajamas for a festive meal in heartwarming photos.
The TV legend was surrounded by his family at the table as they tucked into a festive feast.
Al, Deborah, their children, and their son-in-law posed for a snap wearing their matching pajamas.
The weatherman sat at the head of the table and showed off a huge grin below his bushy mustache, which he has grown out in recent weeks.
Deborah wrote in the caption: “From our home to yours, merry Christmas!
“Wishing you a beautiful holiday season!”
FAN SUPPORT
Fans rushed to the comments to share their good wishes for Al.
“Wonderful pictures – Al, you are looking wonderful. Prayers continue!” wrote one.
Another posted: “Al looks great, what a blessing to have him home.”
Despite Al’s terrifying health scare, fans have been feeling optimistic about his recovery after Deborah shared an encouraging update on Christmas Day.
Speaking during an Instagram live, she told fans: “Al is looking stronger every day. He is doing well.
“He is trying to put on weight, which is, I think, the first time he’s had that challenge, he says, in his life.
“But he is doing well, and we are so, so happy to tell you that.”
FILL-IN HOST
As he continues to recover at home following health issues, Dylan Dreyer has been stepping up to fill in for Al on Today.
During last Tuesday’s show, she made sure to give fans an update, especially when she saw one audience member, in particular, waiting to hear about him.
While standing out in the Today show plaza, Dylan noticed one crowd member holding up a sign that read: “Get better soon, Al!”
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After reading it out loud, the anchor thanked the fan for the kind message to her friend and colleague.
She then promised him and the viewers at home: “Al’s doing great!”
