A Timeline of Al Roker and Deborah Roberts’ Relationship

Al Roker has been a cherished part of TODAY as the weatherman and anchor since January 1996, meaning his friendly face has graced screens for over 29 years.

He’s not alone in this journey. Deborah Roberts, co-anchor of 20/20 and seasoned ABC News correspondent, is fortunate to be married to him.

The enduring couple resides in Manhattan, shares three children, and boasts two impressive careers. They also embraced grandparenthood for the first time in July 2023, when their daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, and her husband, Wesley Laga, welcomed their baby girl, Sky Clara.

Having been together for many years, Al mentioned to TODAY.com in a past interview that they share a foundation of core values and a delightful sense of humor. However, maintaining longevity includes its challenges, particularly for Al, who noted the struggle of balancing parenting, work, and personal time together.

“When you’re raising kids, your focus is on them, and when both are working, work takes precedence, which can lead to neglecting the ‘us,’” he shared.

Now, with their children mostly independent and out of the house, Al expressed that they have more opportunities to enjoy “date nights.”

“Ultimately, we aim to make each other laugh,” he remarked to TODAY.com. “Because a good laugh can truly brighten the day.”

Discover more about Al and Deborah’s lasting romance, from their friendship to Al’s heartfelt proposal at the Grand Canyon, their glamorous wedding, their children, and other fascinating details about one of the media’s most iconic couples.

How did Al and Deborah meet?

Al was born on August 20, 1954, to Isabel Smith Roker and Albert Roker Sr. in Queens, New York. Six years later, on September 20, 1960, Deborah Roberts came into the world to Ben and Ruth Roberts in Perry, Georgia.

“A commonality we share is that we were both raised in large families, with Deborah being the seventh of nine children and Al the eldest of six,” they stated in their 2016 book “Been There, Done That: Family Wisdom for Modern Times.”

“When we reminisce about our childhoods, our happiest and most memorable moments are the family gatherings that shaped who we are,” Al and Deborah reflected.

Their paths first crossed when Deborah took a job as a general assignment reporter at NBC in 1990 and met Al, who was already working as a weather anchor for WNBC News in New York.

“I found her beautiful, but she thought I was simply occupying space,” Al humorously recalled during a 2022 appearance on the Rachael Ray Show.

When did Al Roker and Deborah Roberts begin dating?

Although Al found Deborah attractive, he disclosed to Kelly Clarkson during a 2021 appearance that she only viewed him as a friend.

“We were in that ‘friend zone,’ and she remarked, ‘Let’s not ruin that friendship,’” Al explained.

However, everything changed when Roberts left for the ’92 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and asked Al to watch over her apartment while she was away.

While watering her plants, Al took the opportunity to do a little exploration.

“While in the kitchen, I opened the fridge only to find nothing inside—just some old cheese and a bottle of Grey Poupon mustard,” Al shared with Clarkson. “I opened the oven expecting to find a mess, but found it unused. I thought, ‘This woman hasn’t cooked at all!’”

Determined to make a change, he stocked her kitchen with groceries the day before her return and left flowers on the table with a welcoming note.

“And the next week, I had my first date with her,” he told Clarkson.

And then … Al and Deborah get engaged

After dating for two years, it was time for the next step in their relationship.

Deborah shared on the Rachael Ray Show that she found Al’s proposal timing to be overly delayed, making her contemplate ending the relationship.

“Time was ticking, and despite our discussions about marriage, I wondered what was taking so long,” she recalled.

In secret, Al plotted a proposal at the Grand Canyon during sunset, taking nearly a year to ensure everything would be perfect.

On New Year’s Day, 1994, Al made dinner reservations at El Tovar, a restaurant on the South Rim. He recounted asking Deborah to step outside after dinner, despite the frigid 17-degree weather.

Although she initially declined, he persuaded her to join him. Once outside, he knelt down and proposed.

“I jokingly thought if she said no, I wouldn’t be coming back,” Al shared humorously on TODAY in 2020. “She assumed I was ending the relationship. I had the ring, and I was on one knee, trying to express my feelings—and it turned into a jumble of words.”

Al and Deborah tie the knot in 1995

On September 16, 1995, Al and Deborah exchanged vows at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City.

Among the distinguished guests were former TODAY co-host Katie Couric and the late Barbara Walters, whom Roberts fondly honored in an Instagram post.

“I will always remember how kind Barbara was to my starry-eyed parents. My dad was so thrilled, he even kissed her on the cheek,” Roberts recalled.

Reflecting back during the 3rd hour of TODAY in September 2020, Al described feeling “nervous and sweaty” but also called it “a great time” and “a good party.”

“Deborah had such a fantastic time,” he shared. “In fact, she didn’t eat a thing at the wedding! The following year, I arranged for our anniversary dinner to mimic our wedding meal.”

Following their nuptials, the couple honeymooned in Provence, France.

Al and Deborah welcome a daughter

On November 17, 1998, they welcomed their first child together: Leila Ruth. Al, already a father to Courtney from a prior marriage (born May 14, 1987), told TODAY.com that Leila possesses “a sharp sense of humor,” is a “dedicated worker, and a loyal friend.”

In 2021, Deborah shared a heartwarming birthday tribute to her first daughter on Instagram, stating: “The girl who entered the world with a curious expression, bold personality, and radiant smile. Leila, you’ve always been a remarkable gift to me. Happy birthday, my lovely firstborn! Your light shines bright in this world.”

Al and Deborah become parents once again with the birth of their son, Nick

Nearly four years later, on July 18, 2002, the duo welcomed their son Nicholas Albert into the family.

During a 2019 appearance on the 3rd hour of TODAY, Al discussed his relationship with Nick, who has special needs and is on the autism spectrum.

Despite not having a formal diagnosis, Al noted that Nick has overcome numerous challenges. When speaking with TODAY.com, he described Nick as “someone who never allows obstacles to impede his progress.”

Deborah celebrated Nick in a loving Instagram tribute in 2023, stating: “Out of all the sons in the world, I hit the jackpot! We are blessed to witness the joy, kindness, and warmth you embody, dear Nick. Love you so much.”

Al and Deborah celebrate their silver anniversary

Time flies! On September 16, 2020, the couple celebrated 25 years of marriage.

Roberts commemorated this milestone with a heartfelt Instagram post: “Could it really be 25 years? It’s been a journey filled with love, laughter, challenges, and joy. Throughout, we’ve treasured the beautiful words from our wedding: ‘Love is patient, love is kind…’”

Al reciprocated with a loving tribute, stating, “Happy 25th anniversary to @debrobertsabc! You make me strive to be a better father and person every day. Thank you, and I love you.”

Al is diagnosed with prostate cancer

On November 6, 2020, Al publicly announced on TODAY his diagnosis of prostate cancer, which had been detected earlier that fall, necessitating surgery.

“It’s bittersweet,” Al explained on TODAY. “The good news is we caught it early; the not-so-great news is that it’s somewhat aggressive, requiring me to take time off for treatment.”

Regarding her husband’s diagnosis, Roberts expressed to People, “My heart sank. I love him dearly.”

Al successfully underwent surgery on November 9, 2020, with pathology results indicating no cancer spread beyond his prostate.

“That brought immense relief,” Al remarked on TODAY. “As far as beginnings go, this is promising. I’ll undergo regular testing to monitor this for the long term.”

Leila Roker graduates from college

In May 2021, Al and Deborah’s daughter celebrated her graduation from The American University of Paris, majoring in journalism and minoring in fine arts.

“Incredibly proud of @aupinstagram #classof2021 #graduate @cleilapatra—four years that tested and helped shape you into an outstanding adult,” Al proudly shared on Instagram.

Courtney Roker marries Wesley Laga

Al’s eldest daughter, Courtney, announced her engagement to actor and drama teacher Wesley Laga in April 2021, marrying on June 4, 2021.

A trained chef and recipe developer at Chefman, Courtney described her wedding day as “beyond anything I could have imagined—a beautiful celebration of love surrounded by family.”

Al also celebrated the wedding on Instagram, stating, “What a magical evening witnessing my first princess marry her love.”

Al and Deborah become empty-nesters

In August 2022, Al and Deborah officially became empty-nesters as they dropped off their youngest, Nick, at college.

Reflecting on the bittersweet moment, Al wrote on Instagram: “This is happening. Off to college with our last one. So proud of @nickroker155.”

Deborah also expressed her pride via an Instagram post: “After all the hard work and discipline, Nick’s moment has arrived. I promise I’m not crying. Pride doesn’t begin to describe today.”

Nick visits home during breaks and summer. However, as Al shared in August 2024, sending him off remains an emotional experience.

“Dropped Nick off today. Hard to believe we have a college junior! The house feels a bit too quiet,” he noted on August 25.

The couple overcomes another health scare for Al

In addition to his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2020, Al has faced several other medical procedures over the years, including rotator cuff surgery in 2014, knee replacement in 2016 (and again in 2023), hip replacement in 2019, and shoulder replacement in 2020.

However, in 2022, the family endured a significant challenge when Al experienced a series of blood clots in his leg and lungs, along with internal bleeding that put his life at risk.

Deborah recalled, “We genuinely feared we might lose him.”

“I lost half my blood, and they were frantically trying to locate the source,” Al explained upon returning to TODAY after recuperating from this crisis.

“I owe a great debt to Deborah,” he reflected. “She shielded me from the gravity of my condition. I focused solely on healing without knowing just how serious things were.”

Al and Deborah become first-time grandparents

In March 2023, Al’s daughter Courtney shared the exciting news of her pregnancy, and on July 3, the couple became first-time grandparents.

Their granddaughter, Sky Clara Laga, brought immense joy to the family. Al shared with TODAY.com that he hopes she will call him “Pop-Pop,” a cherished name his late father held.

“My dad was Pop-Pop to all his grandchildren, and I want to continue that legacy. She may have other ideas, but that’s the plan I’m pushing for,” he stated.

Holding his new grandchild, Al shared on Instagram that he could “gaze at her face all day.” Meanwhile, Deborah warmly welcomed Sky, expressing, “You’ve brought so much joy to our lives.”

Al celebrates his 70th birthday

On August 20, 2024, Al hit the remarkable milestone of 70!

To celebrate, Deborah organized a surprise party with family and friends.

“Still processing the surprise birthday party @debrobertsabc threw for my 70th. I usually prefer being the host over the guest; this was a joyful surprise, and I’m still mesmerized,” Al conveyed through his Instagram.

The TODAY team also planned delightful surprises, including a performance by Earth, Wind & Fire, and visits from beloved chefs.

As if that weren’t enough, New York City Mayor Eric Adams honored Al with a key to the city, and Oprah Winfrey joined him and Deborah for lunch and an engaging conversation at their New York City residence.

Al reflects on he and Deborah’s enduring relationship

Reflecting on their many years together, Al told TODAY.com that he and Deborah share numerous values, particularly regarding their children and their faith.

“Deborah was raised Baptist, while I was raised Catholic and am now Episcopalian; however, we both maintain similar core beliefs,” he noted.

Regarding their media careers, Al explained that instead of avoiding discussions about work, they engage in meaningful conversations about their experiences.

“We aid one another in analyzing and understanding our workplace dynamics from varied perspectives,” he remarked.

“It’s proven invaluable, especially during times I faced challenges. Deborah consistently offers sound advice.”

When asked how his wife, nearly 30 years later, would describe him, Al concluded, “I believe she’d say I’m caring, loving, … and occasionally annoying.”