Al Roker Opens up About "Frightening" Health Crisis and "Major" 7-Hour Surgery | "I Went in for One Operation, Got Four"

His wife Deborah elaborated on how dire her husband's condition actually was. "Al was a very, very, very sick man... most people didn't know that. Two doctors led this brilliant team—it was a team—who had to figure out what was happening. He was a medical mystery for a couple of weeks. And it was the most tumultuous, frightening journey we have been on," she said as she credited the doctors who left no stone unturned to help Roker.

Roker was reportedly treated at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. "I went in for one operation, I got four free," he joked, as he explained the surgical procedure. As the face of Today appeared on television after recovering from the surgery, he went on to thank his wife for taking immediate measures.

"Thank God for Deborah. She shielded me from all of this. I'm a living example of ignorance is bliss. I was able to put all my energy into recuperating because I didn't know how bad this was... I thought I was doing good," he said.

Deborah also shared the moment she knew her husband was going to be okay. "Al went through a lot of tests, a lot of scopes," she said. "There was just so much that had to be done, and a major major surgery, if you don't mind me saying. And we were just on pins and needles, every day. I kept everyone abreast — our family, you all. And Al and I were sitting there one day in the hospital... and through this very scratchy voice, and he was so gaunt and exhausted, he said, I'm going to make a 'spatchcock turkey for Christmas.' And I didn't know whether to burst into tears or just to beam. That was the moment for me, and it will always be the moment for me, that this man—I mean, I'm sitting here hoping he's going to make it to Christmas and this man, he wants to make a turkey. I just knew at that point, that will, that drive, is so, so strong."

The 68-year-old weatherman's Today colleagues welcomed him warmly upon his return as they missed him during his absence. "It is a really special day... and I'm sorry because the tears are already flowing because Al Roker is back!" anchor Savannah Guthrie said on the show.

"The crew is weepy. The crowd outside, they've been waiting for you. They've been bummed every day we walk out there like, 'Where is Al?'" added Hoda Kotb, Guthrie's co-host.

"As much as we missed you, Al, I think the plaza missed you even more," Guthrie later added as fans outside held placards with Roker's face reading, "Welcome Back."

"I have missed you guys so very much," Roker remarked. "You are my second family and it's just great to be back — and wearing pants! It's so much fun. My heart is just bursting. I'm just so thrilled to see all of you and the crew. Right now I'm running on adrenaline."

Reference: 

https://people.com/health/al-roker-shares-new-details-of-his-frightening-health-crisis-and-major-7-hour-surgery/

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jamie McCarthy