HAPPY TEARS – Deborah Roberts “Couldn’t Stop Crying” After Al Roker’s Heartfelt Birthday Gift

NEW YORK, NY – September 20, 2025, marked a milestone for Today show icon Al Roker and his wife, esteemed journalist Deborah Roberts, as she celebrated her 65th birthday with a surprise that left her in floods of happy tears. The couple, married for over 30 years, has always shared a deep bond, but Al’s latest gesture proved their love is as strong as ever. The gift? A private listening session with a local band—not a chart-topping name like Earth, Wind & Fire, but the very group that played at their wedding decades ago, rekindling memories of their early days together.

Deborah, known for her grace and poise on 20/20, was reportedly “blown away” by the surprise, orchestrated by Al with the meticulous care of a man who knows his wife’s heart. Sources close to the couple revealed that Al had spent weeks tracking down the band, a small ensemble that had performed at their wedding reception in 1995. Though the group never achieved fame, their music held a special place in Al and Deborah’s story, making the gesture deeply personal. “I couldn’t stop crying,” Deborah shared with friends, her voice trembling with emotion. “It was like stepping back into the moment we said ‘I do.’”

The intimate listening session took place in a cozy New York venue, with just close family and friends in attendance. Al, ever the romantic, had arranged for the band to play a setlist that included the same songs from their wedding night, transporting Deborah back to that magical evening. The couple, who have faced life’s ups and downs together, including raising their three children—Courtney, Leila, and Nick—swayed to the music, lost in nostalgia. “It was heartbreaking in the best way,” a friend at the event said. “You could see the love in their eyes, like they were newlyweds again.”

Al’s knack for heartfelt surprises was hinted at in his recent Instagram post, where he reflected on a different musical memory. “Last night’s @earthwindandfire @recordingacademy concert reminded me of the best birthday party ever for me, thrown by @debrobertsabc when this legendary group performed for us,” he wrote. “No better band in the land. Congratulations, gentlemen #21stdayofseptember.” While Earth, Wind & Fire holds a special place in Al’s heart, it was the lesser-known band from their wedding that stole the show for Deborah’s 65th. The contrast wasn’t lost on Al, who chose a deeply personal gift over a glitzy, high-profile performance.

The evening wasn’t without a touch of family drama, as their daughter Leila, now living in Paris and engaged to her French fiancé Sylvain Gricourt, arrived late for the celebration. Known for her punctuality during family milestones, Leila’s afternoon arrival on September 20 left Deborah briefly wistful. However, the couple’s focus quickly shifted to the joy of the moment, especially with Al’s surprise setting the tone. “They’ve always given their kids room to grow,” a source said. “Deborah was a little sad at first, but she and Al understood Leila’s life is blossoming abroad.”

As the night unfolded, Deborah’s tears gave way to laughter and dancing, with Al by her side, beaming with pride. The couple’s enduring love, built on mutual respect and shared memories, was palpable. “Al knows how to make me feel so loved,” Deborah reportedly said, still emotional from the surprise. For a couple that has navigated the spotlight for decades, this intimate, heartfelt gift proved that the smallest gestures can carry the most meaning. As Al and Deborah continue their journey together, this birthday will undoubtedly remain one for the books—a testament to their unbreakable bond and the music that first brought them together.