Al Roker has a reasonable explanation for his sudden, mid-show exit from the Today show on Monday, September 28.
“Well, I got out of the Today show early because I’ve got jury duty,” the weatherman, 72, said in a Monday Instagram video. “It’s everybody’s civic duty to do your duty. I said duty twice!”
Roker delivered his message with a big smile as he stood outside of a New York City courthouse. He was dressed for the occasion with a gray suit and tan fedora.
“Hey now!!! All rise!! Time for #juryduty,” Roker added in the caption.
Roker’s fans applauded his enthusiasm for reporting for jury duty in the comments section.
“No, but imagine being the defendant and looking up and seeing AL ROKER!!!” one user replied, while another shared, “Gotta love it. Civic duty is a must!”
Earlier on Monday, fans noticed Roker was not present for the weather forecast as Dylan Dreyer stepped in. Today host Savannah Guthrie told viewers at the time that Roker “had to leave a little bit early,” but did not offer any further information.
Craig Melvin later promised that the beloved weatherman would “be back tomorrow.”
Roker later gave an update in his comments section, sharing that he postponed his jury duty obligation for a time when his work schedule wasn’t as hectic.
“To update you, I got a postponement til December when work is a little less crazy,” he shared in the comments section. “But I LOVE jury duty. I know I am fortunate that my company pays me while I’m serving in a jury. Not everyone has that luxury. Doing your civic duty should NOT be a hardship.”
This isn’t the first time Today fans were disappointed after Roker was missing from his usual broadcast. Last year, Roker stepped away from the morning show for a week. In December 2025, Melvin joked that Roker was enjoying “one of his 16 weeks of vacation.” Guthrie added that Roker was away for his 71st birthday celebration.
“He’s having a great birthday,” Guthrie said. “We love you, Al, wherever you are in the world!”
Roker’s wife Deborah Roberts revealed that she and her husband were spending the week in Italy to celebrate the weatherman’s big day.
“To the man who brings life, love and laughs to my world, a heartfelt happy birthday,” the 20/20 coanchor wrote in a post to honor Roker. “Your kindness, joy and generosity are boundless blessings. Love you so much! Please join me in showering @alroker with the biggest birthday wishes his heart can hold!”
