Al Roker and Craig Melvin have shared more than just television screens over the years—they’ve built a genuine and lasting friendship rooted in mutual respect, support, and shared life experiences. While they’ve enjoyed countless lighthearted moments and exciting travel adventures together, like their memorable 2018 trip to South Korea for TODAY, their bond has also been strengthened during life’s more difficult chapters. In a recent interview with People, Craig reflected on just how meaningful that friendship has been, especially in times of personal hardship.

He revealed that when tragedy struck—such as the heartbreaking loss of his brother Lawrence in 2020—Al Roker was one of the very first people to reach out. “Some of my darkest moments, personally, it’s been Roker who’s called first to check on me, check on my family,” Craig shared. The depth of their connection was further illustrated when he mentioned how close Roker is with his loved ones, even receiving a birthday message that very morning from Craig’s parents. It’s clear that what started as a professional relationship has evolved into something far more meaningful—one of brotherhood and unwavering support.

Al also made him feel welcome when Craig first appeared on TODAY.

“You know what? It started, I was new to the show,” he said. “And the TODAY show is a very, it’s a delicate ecosystem. It’s been around for more than 70 years. It’s an American institution. The inner circle is tight and guarded. They had invited me into the inner circle, and he was the first one to welcome me with open arms.”

Al “just made it clear from the beginning that he had my back, and I’ve never forgotten that,” Craig added.

The 3rd hour of TODAY co-hosts were able to spend some time together during their recent trip to cover the Olympics in Paris, where they tried out the shot put together. Craig also spent time with Al and his daughter Leila, who lives in the French capital.

“She took us on a croissant crawl because she lives there. So our families have become close,” Craig said. “And I do think that there’s probably a part of me, professionally in our business, you want that longevity that he’s enjoyed.”

Craig, 45, joined the rest of the TODAY family in wishing Al a happy 70th birthday on Aug. 20. He read Al a poem in his honor on the 3rd hour of TODAY.

“Even when the skies are dark, there’s a fella who lights the way,” Craig said then.

He is hoping his life can have a similar trajectory to his friend’s.

“For me, personally, you look at the kind of life that he’s created and you’re like, ‘God, when I’m 70, I’d love to be that kind of dad, that kind of granddad, that kind of husband,'” he told People. “That’s who you want to be. And so, to be able to have a role model just a few inches from you every morning, it’s pretty cool. It’s not lost on me.”