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Al Roker knows how to make a heartwarming birthday post.
On Sunday, November 17, Al, 70, posted an Instagram Reel filled with rare pictures of his daughter, Leila Roker, in honor of her 26th birthday. The journalist shares Leila and son Nicholas Roker, 22, with his wife, Deborah Roberts.
The video montage, set to the song “Birthday” by The Beatles, featured throwback photos of Leila as a child celebrating past birthdays and enjoying special moments with family and friends. The beloved weatherman also included recent pictures of Leila and the family at her early birthday dinner at Din Tai Fung, a Chinese restaurant in Manhattan.
Al Roker attends the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ with Grand Tasting featuring Culinary Demonstrations presented by HexClad at Brooklyn Army Terminal on October 20, 2024 in New York City. The weatherman who shares two kids with his wife Deborah Roberts, posted heartwarming photos in honor of his daughter’s recent life milestone.
John Lamparski/Getty Images
Leila, who resides in Paris traveled to the Big Apple to celebrate her special day with her family, including her mom, dad, and half-sister, Courtney Roker Laga. (Courtney, 37, is Al’s oldest child whom he shares with his first wife, Alice Bell.)
The Today host captioned his post, “Happy Birthday to my girl @leilaroker who never ceases to amaze me. Love you, Sweetheart. So glad you could be here in #nyc for your 26th trip around the sun. And a great pre birthday dinner at @dintaifungusa.”
Roberts, 64, also posted a birthday tribute on Instagram, sharing photos of their daughter as a child and some snaps from the birthday dinner. The proud mom — who has been married to Al since 1995 — captioned her post, “This girl! My first born. The one who proved to me that my heart can leave my body. The one who brings joy, honesty and light to any space….is turning 26. Don’t know how it happened. But I celebrate you @leilaroker I love you more than I can say or ever will. Happy birthday dear darling. 🎊🥳🍭 🎂.”
The NBC icon has a strong bond with his children. Last month, he released a cookbook with Courtney titled Recipes to Live By: Easy Memory-Making Family Dishes for Every Occasion. Courtney, a mom herself, even appeared on Today to demonstrate some recipes from the cookbook, including salmon burgers and shortbread pudding.
Al became a grandpa in 2023 when Courtney welcome daughter Sky Lara with her husband Wesley Laga.
