NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Today’ beloved meteorologist Al Roker has officially confirmed his return to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as announced in a post on his Instagram account and by ‘Today’ family.
The beloved weatherman shared a photo of a packet addressed to him and the Roker family, likely related to the parade's official programming.
Roker expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the Parade after health issues prevented him from participating in the parade last year, marking the first time in 27 years that he missed the event.
‘Today’ host Al Roker to host Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The anticipation for Al Roker's return to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is palpable, as evidenced by the festive folder he shared on his Instagram account.
The folder is adorned with the parade logo, Roker’s name, and whimsical fall leaves fluttering about.
In his caption, the 69-year-old weatherman expressed his excitement for being back for the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, “We’re back, baby for the 97th @macys #thanksgivingdayparade on @nbc and I cannot wait to join @savannahguthrie and @hodakotb again.”
The announcement of Roker’s return to the annual parade was made earlier in November 2023, marking a joyous comeback after he missed his first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in nearly 30 years in 2022 due to health challenges.
He faced health challenges last year, including dealing with blood clots in his lungs and undergoing additional surgery, which led to his absence from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
During that time, ‘Today’ host Dylan Dreyer stepped in for Roker's position with anchors Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie.
For the upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023, Roker is set to return as a host alongside Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.
‘Today’ family is ‘over the moon’ for Al Roker’s return
Al Roker's co-hosts at ‘Today’ are sharing in the excitement of his return to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
His co-host Craig Melvin expressed his enthusiasm stating, "You know the best part of the parade this year? Guess who’s going to be back!"
Also, Hoda Kotb, reminisced about the absence of Roker last year, noting “The parade was not the same last year without Al.”
She added that the team is "over the moon" about his return to hosting the parade this year.
In a phone interview with ‘Today’ Al Roker shared, “I feel pretty good. ... I feel like I’m back to like 100 per cent.”
