Al Roker makes HEARTBREAKING STATEMENT amid growing concerns he will LEAVE the Today Show

Beloved newscaster Al Roker has opened up about his plans for retirement amid growing speculation that he could soon exit the Today Show.

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While the 70-year-old anchor was noticeably absent from the NBC morning show on July 17, 18, and 21, he has since shot down rumors that he’s stepping away from the desk. After leading the morning show for nearly 30 years, Al has assured that he has no plans of slowing down any time soon.

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In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Al confidently shot down growing retirement speculation. He explained, “Here’s the deal: my dad drove a bus for eight hours a day. And then he moved into management with transit authority.”

Al continued, “And when he said it was no longer fun, he retired, at the age of 55. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to [hosting TODAY].”

Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer on the Today Show(Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
The newscaster went on to add, “Every day is a different day, and our audience who comes down to the TODAY Show, our crew, our producers, how do you give up something like this?” Al shared that he is going to keep going “until the wheels fall off.”

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Al previously touched on his retirement plans in an interview with People as he discussed his colleague Hoda Kotb’s exit from the network earlier this year. Speaking on her difficult decision to leave, Al matter-of-factly stated, “You know when you know.”

He continued, “That was kind of the beautiful thing for Hoda. You even look at…Joe Biden. It’s like, everybody has a reason that they decide it’s time to go.”

Hoda left the Today Show to dedicate more time to her family, particularly her young daughters, Haley and Hope. Hoda left the show shortly after her 60th birthday after starring on the program for 17 years.

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Al says that he has no plans of retiring(Image: Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Speaking on his own retirement, Al shared a similar sentiment as today as he said, “I don’t feel like that’s my time yet, but who knows. Maybe a year or two. Maybe not, but I’m enjoying it. I love this. You don’t get off the train until the last stop.”

Al has also recently cleared the clear regarding his absence from the Today Show this week as he posted that he was on a family vacation. Taking to Instagram, Al shared a series of sweet snaps in which he was seen celebrating his son Nick’s birthday in Bermuda located in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Under the photos of the group relaxing by the sea, Al wrote, “We had a great time celebrating Nick Roker’s 23rd birthday in Bermuda this weekend. The folks at the @thelorenhotels Pink Beach were lovely and had a great #oldskool meal at @tommoorestavern. Can’t wait to go back.”