Al Roker’s Throwback Photos for Son’s Milestone Hide a Surprising Detail

Al Roker, the cherished TODAY show co-host and meteorologist, recently marked a heartfelt family milestone with a touching Instagram post celebrating his son Nicholas Roker’s 23rd birthday on August 2, 2025. The video slideshow, filled with throwback photos of Nick from infancy to adulthood, captured the hearts of fans and co-stars alike. Shared with Roker’s wife, ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts, the post showcased their pride in Nick’s journey into young manhood. However, nestled among the nostalgic images was a surprise detail that sent fans into a frenzy—a subtle hint at a new family member that sparked widespread buzz and speculation.

The Instagram reel, captioned “Hard to believe he is 23! So very proud of the young man he has become. We love you, Nicholas!!,” featured cherished moments: Nick as a beaming toddler, at family vacations, and graduating from high school. The photos also included Roker, Roberts, and Nick’s siblings—Leila, 26, and Courtney, 38, from Roker’s first marriage to Alice Bell. TODAY co-host Dylan Dreyer commented, “Happy birthday big guy!!!” while fans praised Nick’s “beautiful Roker smile.” Yet, it was a fleeting image of Nick holding a toddler at a 2024 family gathering that stole the spotlight. The child, dressed in a tiny TODAY show T-shirt, was not Roker’s granddaughter Sky, born in July 2023 to Courtney, but an unfamiliar face, prompting questions about a possible new addition to the family.

The mystery child, later identified by a source close to Roker as his niece’s daughter, adopted in early 2025, ignited social media chatter. Fans on X posted, “Who’s the new kid in Al’s video? Another grandbaby?!” The detail, unnoticed by Roker when posting, overshadowed Nick’s milestone for some, highlighting the public’s fascination with the weatherman’s personal life. Roker, a TODAY fixture since 1996, has shared his family’s highs and lows, from his 2022 hospitalization for blood clots to becoming a grandfather. The unexpected glimpse of his extended family underscored his role as a doting patriarch, even as he navigates a demanding career.

Roker’s openness about his family resonates deeply with viewers. In a 2024 People essay, he wrote, “I’m so grateful I’m here to see my first grandchild,” reflecting on Sky and his health struggles. Nick, who has mild autism, has been a particular source of pride, with Roker and Roberts celebrating his achievements, like his 2020 high school graduation. The throwback photos, including one of Nick with Roker on the TODAY set, evoked nostalgia, but the surprise toddler image added an element of intrigue, amplifying the post’s impact.

The milestone celebration came amid Roker’s busy TODAY schedule, including his “Lend a Hand” initiative in Kerrville, Texas, following devastating floods. His co-stars’ support, evident in Dreyer’s comment and Savannah Guthrie’s on-air praise, reflects the TODAY team’s camaraderie. Roker’s ability to balance professional commitments with family moments has endeared him to audiences, who flooded his Instagram with birthday wishes for Nick. One follower wrote, “Watching Nick grow up through your posts is so special!”

The surprise detail in the birthday reel, though unintended, highlighted Roker’s expansive family network and his joy in their growth. While Nick’s 23rd birthday was the focus, the glimpse of a new family member sparked conversations about legacy and love. As Roker, now 70, continues to charm viewers with his warmth and resilience, the unexpected reveal in his throwback photos serves as a reminder of life’s surprises—both on and off the TODAY set—leaving fans stunned and eager for more glimpses into his evolving family story.