Al Roker is a name synonymous with morning television for many across America. As the beloved weather anchor on Today, he starts our days with forecasts and his signature cheerful demeanor. But beyond the studio lights and weather maps, Al Roker’s most cherished role is that of a devoted family man. Let’s delve into the heartwarming story of Al Roker and his three children, Courtney, Leila, and Nick, and explore the values and experiences he shares with them.
Courtney Roker: From Culinary Arts to Motherhood
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Courtney Melissa Roker, Al’s eldest daughter at 37, is a testament to pursuing one’s passions. Born in May 1987, Courtney is the daughter of Al and his late ex-wife, Alice Bell. She has carved out a successful career in the culinary world, currently working as a test kitchen manager and recipe developer for renowned kitchen appliance brands Chefman and CHEF iQ. Her Instagram feed, @ouichefroker, is a vibrant showcase of her culinary creations and her love for food, especially sushi.
Courtney’s personal life reached a beautiful milestone when she married Wesley Laga on June 4, 2021. The wedding at The Ashford Estate in New Jersey was a joyous occasion, attended by family, friends, and many of Al’s Today show colleagues. Her sister Leila proudly served as maid of honor. The celebration was a clear reflection of the close-knit Roker family.
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Adding to the family joy, Courtney and Wesley welcomed their first child, Sky Clara Laga, in July 2023, making Al Roker a grandfather, or “Pop-Pop,” as he enthusiastically embraced the new title. The arrival of Sky Clara brought immense joy to the entire Roker-Roberts family. Al has openly shared the magical feeling of becoming a grandfather, reflecting on the circle of life as he held his granddaughter, remembering holding Courtney as a baby almost 35 years prior.
In February 2025, the family faced a poignant moment with the passing of Courtney’s mother, Alice Bell. Courtney’s heartfelt tribute on Instagram honored her mother’s love and legacy, highlighting the strong bond they shared.
Leila Roker: A Global Media Presence
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Leila Ruth Roker, 26, Al’s second daughter and his first child with Deborah Roberts, was born on November 17, 1998. Growing up in New York City and graduating from the prestigious LaGuardia High School, Leila pursued higher education at the American University of Paris. She earned a degree in journalism and fine arts in May 2021, setting the stage for her burgeoning media career.
Leila has already built an impressive resume for someone her age. Her experiences include internships at renowned fashion organizations like L’Oréal and Lela Rose, and contributions to esteemed publications such as Forbes and WWD. Her professional website, leilaroker.com, showcases her diverse portfolio and journalistic talent.
In 2021, Leila gained international experience working as a production runner for Peacock at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. This opportunity was particularly special as Al was also in Tokyo covering the Olympics for NBC. Leila’s early exposure to the Olympic world dates back to her childhood, accompanying her parents on Olympic work trips, sparking an early fascination with media production.
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Beyond her professional achievements, Leila is a strong advocate for equality and has used her platform to share her personal experiences as a woman of color. Following the tragic death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, Leila articulated her thoughts and feelings in a powerful piece on her website, reflecting on the desensitization affecting her generation and emphasizing the importance of holding people accountable for real change.
Living in Paris, Leila recently had the opportunity to be Al’s tour guide during his trip to the city for the 2024 Olympics. The father-daughter duo even collaborated on a fun “croissant crawl” segment for the Today show, showcasing their close bond and Leila’s Parisian expertise.
Nick Roker: Triumph Over Challenges
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Nicholas “Nick” Roker, 22, is Al and Deborah’s youngest child, born on July 18, 2002. From an early age, Al and Deborah recognized that Nick faced unique developmental challenges. Al has openly shared that Nick is “somewhere on the spectrum and maybe obsessive-compulsive,” highlighting the realities and complexities of raising a child with special needs.
Al has been vocal about the lessons learned from parenting Nick, emphasizing Nick’s resilience and determination. Despite facing obstacles, Nick has consistently exceeded expectations. He earned a black belt in Taekwondo, participated in marathon training, and won two gold medals at the Special Olympics New York Summer Games in swimming. These achievements underscore Nick’s goal-oriented nature and his ability to overcome challenges.
Nick’s accomplishments extend beyond athletics. He is actively involved in his local church, St. James, and delivered a sermon to the congregation before his high school graduation in 2022. In his moving sermon, Nick spoke about his learning disability and the extra effort required to reach his goals, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith.
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In August 2022, Nick embarked on his college journey, a milestone that filled Al and Deborah with immense pride. Nick’s college experience is a testament to his continued growth and independence. Al often speaks about how Nick inspires him to be a better person, highlighting the profound impact Nick has had on his life and perspective.
Recently, in May 2024, Nick and Al treated Deborah to a special Mother’s Day brunch and concert, showcasing the loving and thoughtful young man Nick has become. This heartwarming gesture exemplifies the strong family bond nurtured by Al and Deborah.
Al Roker: A Father’s Enduring Legacy
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Al Roker’s influence extends far beyond his career as a celebrated weatherman. He is a role model as a father, guiding and supporting his children as they navigate their own paths. Inspired by his own father’s advocacy, Al has instilled in Courtney, Leila, and Nick the values of perseverance, passion, and family. From Courtney’s culinary achievements and motherhood, to Leila’s global media presence and advocacy, and Nick’s inspiring journey of overcoming challenges, Al Roker’s children are a testament to his enduring legacy as a loving and supportive father. His story reminds us that family is indeed everything, and Al Roker embodies this truth both on and off the screen.
