Al Roker is celebrating nearly three decades of marriage with his wife, Deborah Roberts, and as always, the beloved Today show anchor is bringing his signature humor along for the ride.
Marking their 29th anniversary on September 16, Roker, 70, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt and humorous tribute to Roberts, 63, who is ABC News’ senior national affairs correspondent. The post included a throwback photo of their wedding day alongside a recent picture of the couple recreating the same pose.
“When you see what I looked like 29 years ago, it’s even more amazing @debrobertsabc married me,” Roker joked in the caption. “Here’s to a woman who has questionable taste and even more questionable eyesight.”
Roberts quickly responded in the comments, playfully dismissing his self-deprecating humor: “Stop that! Would do it all over again! ❤️”
The next day, Roker posted another tribute, reflecting on their journey. “29 years have flown by pretty fast,” he wrote on Instagram, acknowledging the ups and downs they’ve faced, particularly his health battles. “Not sure @debrobertsabc would agree. #HappyAnniversary to an amazing wife, friend, mom, journalist, and incredible #LifePartner who made sure I survived my crisis a year and a half ago.”
Roker referenced his hospitalization in 2022, when blood clots had moved from his legs to his lungs, a life-threatening condition that shook the couple. “Though I’m sure I give her pause to reconsider that from time to time,” he joked, adding, “Thanks for not pulling the plug. I love you.”
Roberts shared her own loving tribute on Instagram, posting a wedding photo with a heartfelt caption: “How it began… how it is now. Still racing toward love and life with you @alroker and so delighted for every adventure.”
“You bring the #joy. Here’s to 29 more years. #HappyAnniversary,” she added.
A Long-Lasting Love Story
Roker and Roberts first crossed paths at Today in 1990, and five years later, they tied the knot in front of family and friends at Manhattan’s St. Thomas Episcopal Church on September 16, 1995. They welcomed their first child, Leila Ruth, in 1998, followed by their son, Nicholas Albert, in 2002.
In 2021, the couple gave fans a glimpse into their marriage during PEOPLE’s first-ever Love Issue. Roberts spoke of Roker’s thoughtful gestures, such as leaving love notes for her to find throughout the day. “Sometimes there’s a little card next to the coffee maker that might say something encouraging or sweet or impish or fun,” she said.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 also tested their relationship. In March 2022, Roberts reflected on how the unprecedented time together had deepened their bond. “We weren’t used to this extended kind of 24/7 time together,” she told PEOPLE. “There was tension at first as we settled into this new reality.” However, she marveled at how Roker stepped up to care for her and their family, admitting that it strengthened her love for him.
Support Through Health Challenges
Roberts has remained a pillar of support throughout Roker’s health challenges, including his 2020 prostate cancer surgery and his health scare in the fall of 2022. Most recently, she was by his side during his knee replacement surgery in May 2023.
“Without her, I wouldn’t be here,” Roker told PEOPLE earlier this year, expressing his gratitude for her unwavering presence through it all.
As the couple celebrates 29 years of marriage, their relationship continues to inspire, with Roker’s humor and Roberts’ steadfast love reminding us all of the power of partnership and resilience.