Today's Al Roker hailed for 45 years at NBC as co-hosts pay 'beating heart' of show an emotional tribute

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The cherished weatherman and co-host of ‘Today’ Show, Al Roker celebrates 45 years with NBC on Monday.

Despite Roker's sly attempt to slip away unnoticed after presenting the weather forecast, his co-hosts insisted on honoring the anniversary on-air.

The weatherman was joined by his co-hosts Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Sheinelle Jones to commemorate his career milestone.

To celebrate his achievement, Roker’s co-hosts cued up a throwback video of the 69-year-old host during his time at WNBC in Cleveland, Ohio.

Al Roker celebrates 45 years with NBC

As Al Roker joined his ‘Today’ co-hosts who insisted him to stick for his celebration, the weatherman joked, “Ope, look at the time, I’ve got to go.”

Despite a modest effort to escape the emotional moment and being gently pulled back to the couch by Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie addressed Roker, saying, "Time flies when you're having fun. Today, Mr Roker, we are celebrating something significant – your 45th anniversary with NBC."

As she continued, Guthrie started to get choked up, stating, "It all began in 1978, leading to your remarkable 27 years with Today. Al, my friend, you are the beating heart of this show."

Hoda Kotb then added, "The heart and the soul," before delving into "Al's anniversary by the numbers."

A graphic showcased that the beloved meteorologist has amassed 7,047 early wake-ups at 3:45 am, contributed to 27 Thanksgiving Day parades, and covered 13 Olympics throughout his illustrious career.

Kotb expressed to Roker, saying, "Roker, you're like the first person most of us met when we came here... and you always made every new person feel included and loved."

Roker responded, "Well, I knew what it was like to be the new guy at one point or another, including my time at WNBC — which I'm very proud of."

‘Today’ hosts celebrate Al Roker’s 45th anniversary at NBC with throwback clip

At the mention of his time at WNBC in Cleveland, Ohio, Craig Melvin queued up a throwback video featuring Al Roker humorously interviewing penguins while reporting from The Metropark Zoo in Cleveland.

Roker reportedly worked at the affiliate station WKYC for five years before returning to New York City to work for WNBC-TV.

Roker jokingly said, "Look away," as the video showcased him sporting late-70s fashion, complete with an era-appropriate green beret and a seafoam blazer.

In the footage, he started his report by informing viewers, "These King Penguins are really smart."

"Not only do they have all three television stations and both newspapers trained to come out whenever they go for a walk, they don't even have to take their tuxes home in the morning."

Upon returning to the studio, Melvin asked his friend, "What stands out after 45 years?"

Roker replied, "I really am very fortunate, nobody gets to be somewhere this long without friends and people who help you and a team behind you. Nobody does it by themselves."

Internet lauds Al Roker on his 45 years at NBC

Fans showered immense love for Al Roker for his remarkable 45-year milestone at NBC, expressing their love and support on social media.

One person wrote, “I'll never forget meeting him on a 30 Rock tour in 1993.  He's a great guy.  My family just meeting Al in 2018. We were just outside of 30 Rock, and he walked past us. My younger son saw him and told us afterward.  Congrats Al!”

Another lauded Roker, “Great weather man! Congratulations AL 🇺🇲 #NBC I watched you for half of my life!! HA! Love you positive body weight loss story! Thanks for being so wonderful to watch!”

One more person said, “CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FANTASTIC 45 YEARS OF giving us the best weather reports on Television. Happy Anniversary Big Al,” and another commented, “One of the bests!”

An X user poured their love for Roker saying, “Congrats, AL Roker. You are phenomenal, and I hope you continue to bring joy to the world!! Have a blessed and wonderful day.”

Another wrote, “Congratulations! You are amazing at what you do. You are such an inspiration. You have gone through so much & still have joy. You really show how much you care about others with your words, actions & integrity. May God bless you & yours abundantly today & in days to come.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.