Al Roker shares bittersweet family update as fans rush to his support

Al Roker has shared an emotional family update after helping his youngest son, Nick, settle into college once again.

The 72-year-old TODAY star posted a series of photographs from his son’s new dorm room on Sunday, with 24-year-old Nick beaming for the camera beside his neatly made bed and desk.

Wearing a Super Mario T-shirt, navy shorts and striped slides, Nick looked delighted with his new home away from home as his famous father captured the milestone.

“Another drop off for my young man, @nickroker155,” Al wrote alongside the photographs. “Gonna miss him but as Al Roker, Sr. always said, #cantmissyouifyoudontleave. So very proud of him.”

The sweet message prompted an outpouring of support from the broadcaster’s followers, many of whom could relate to the bittersweet experience of dropping a child off at college.

One parent commented: “Something about seeing your ASD kiddo thrive is such a gift isn’t it? They never cease to amaze me!”

Another reassured Al: “Good Daddy! Hope he has a great year! So many of us on the same path right now. Never gets easier.”

Nick’s latest college chapter

The latest milestone comes after Nick graduated with an associate degree in communications in May 2025, an achievement his parents celebrated proudly.

“Three years ago, we dropped him off as a first year college student,” Al wrote at the time. “Today @nickroker155 has his #associatesdegree in #communications and we could not be prouder of how hard he has worked and is determined to get his #bachelorsdegree. Way to go, my boy.”

Al shares Nick with his wife of more than 30 years, ABC News journalist Deborah Roberts. He is also dad to daughters Courtney, 39, from his previous marriage, and Leila, 27, whom he shares with Deborah.

Watching Nick become increasingly independent has been particularly meaningful for his parents.

Al has spoken candidly over the years about Nick’s developmental challenges and the uncertainty he and Deborah experienced when their son was young.

“Nick blossomed, far more than Deborah or I could have ever expected, given his original iffy prognosis,” he previously wrote in an essay for Guideposts.

Nick went on to earn a black belt in taekwondo, compete in swimming and win medals at the Special Olympics, as well as becoming deeply involved in his family’s church.

“The obstacles in this kid’s way were things that might have tripped up many others,” Al wrote. “Not Nick.”

Al Roker on being Nick’s dad

The broadcaster has also been refreshingly open about what his youngest child has taught him about fatherhood.

While reflecting on raising Nick, Al recalled the example set by his own late father, Albert Lincoln Roker Sr., whose words he fittingly referenced in Sunday’s college post.

Al remembered his father as openly affectionate, admitting that when he himself left home for college, his mother “put on a brave face” while his dad “was a puddle of tears.”

That emotional openness influenced the way Al approached raising his own children. He has also credited Deborah with reminding him of an important distinction when it comes to parenting Nick.

“I have to show my son not only that I love him but that I like him as well,” he wrote. “More than that, I admire him.”

Life as empty nesters

With their children grown, Al and Deborah have also had to adjust to a much quieter family home.

The TODAY host previously revealed that one Mother’s Day felt particularly “weird” because it was the first time none of their children were living at home.

“It was the first Mother’s Day with no kids at home,” he said, adding that he and Deborah spent a “lovely afternoon” together and “just kind of chilled out.”

Their family has expanded in another direction, however. Al became a grandfather when his eldest daughter Courtney welcomed daughter Sky Clara in 2023, an experience he described as “magical.”