Al Roker walked off Today right after giving the forecast, leaving many viewers of the NBC morning news show wondering whether the meteorologist was okay.
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What Happened to Al Roker?
As reported by PEOPLE, Roker left the studio after several weather reports. Dylan Dreyer filled in for the 72-year-old for the rest of the show.
"We have Dylan taking over for Al, who had to leave a little bit early," explained anchor Savannah Guthrie. She did not explain Roker's sudden absence.
Dreyer added, "Yeah, a little switcheroo again this morning."
Craig Melvin, who co-hosts the 3rd Hour of Today broadcast, said that his cheerful co-host "had to step out for just a little bit. He'll be back tomorrow." Sports reporter Kaylee Hartung filled in for Roker.
The mysterious explanations about Roker's sudden absence had some viewers concerned about the weatherman. Roker was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020, adding to the concern.
The "Today" Show Host Shared Why He Left
Later on Instagram, Roker explained why he had to leave Today early this morning.
He posted a clip of himself standing outside a courthouse. The caption read, "Hey now!!! All rise!! Time for #juryduty."
"Well, got out of the Today show early because I've got jury duty," he told followers. "It's everybody's civic duty to do the duty."
He then jokingly added, "I said duty twice!"
Roker has been prioritizing his health since his health scare six years ago. He was declared cancer-free in 2021. In another post from Sep. 28, he shared his morning workout before going on air, set to the theme from The A-Team.
"Good morning, @starttoday_ family," he wrote in the caption. "Let's get the week started off right. @rjose07 put me through my paces this morning as we get ready for another busy weather week. Remember, #somethingisbetterthannothing Let's #checkthebox."
Roker's focus on health hasn't stopped him from enjoying sweets now and again. Earlier this month, the weatherman ate a dog treat live on air. It was one of the new Patch Pals treats from the Girl Scouts. It is a soft-baked blueberry muffin-flavored dog treat made in collaboration with Bark.
Roker said the treats were "not bad." However, his co-anchors, Dylan Dreyer and Craig Melvin, were not having it.
"That is disgusting!" said Melvin. "I can't believe you just did that. Oh God, you ate dog food!"
"I've been to the commissary," joked Roker. "Kidding, the commissary's fantastic, especially Mr. Lee at the sushi bar."
