A Heartfelt Moment for Leila Roker as Al Roker Plans a Special Wedding Gesture

Leila Roker, a 26-year-old freelance journalist, has always embodied independence. Since leaving home to explore France, where she met her fiancé Sylvain Gricourt, she’s carved her own path with determination and grace. But to her father, TODAY show star Al Roker, she remains his “little girl,” a sentiment that brought tears to her eyes during a touching moment as they discussed her upcoming 2026 wedding. The beloved weatherman’s heartfelt wish to play a deeply personal role in her big day underscores the unbreakable bond between father and daughter, making this milestone even more emotional.

At the recent NYC Ballet Gala on May 8, Al and his wife, Deborah Roberts, couldn’t contain their excitement about Leila’s engagement to Gricourt, who proposed in Venice, Italy, with a pear-shaped diamond ring. The couple shared their joy with PEOPLE, with Roberts eagerly anticipating dress shopping with her daughter and Al humorously noting his plan to walk Leila down the aisle, saying, “That’s the plan. I think so. One never knows.” Yet, behind his lighthearted quip lies a profound desire to make the moment uniquely meaningful, a gesture that moved Leila to tears.

For Al, a father of three—including Leila, her brother Nick, 22, and older daughter Courtney, 37, from his previous marriage to Alice Bell—walking his daughter down the aisle is more than tradition. It’s a chance to honor their shared history. Sources close to the family reveal that Al has been reflecting on Leila’s childhood, from her first steps to her bold move to Paris eight years ago. He wants to infuse the walk with personal touches, perhaps recounting cherished memories or incorporating a small keepsake from her youth, making it a moment that celebrates her journey while affirming his unwavering support.

Leila, who announced her engagement on Instagram in March, described the Venice proposal as a dream, captioning, “8 years ago, I moved to Paris, 7 years ago I met my person and best friend, and 2 days ago, that person took me on the most amazing surprise trip to Venice to ask me to spend the rest of our lives together.” Gricourt echoed her joy, writing, “Just two days ago I put a ring on her finger, and that’s the best thing I did in the last 33 years.” The couple’s love story, born in the romantic streets of Paris, has captivated their families, with Roberts commenting, “We could not be happier and more joyful!!!! Welcome to the family Sylvain!”

As wedding planning begins, Al’s vision for his role reflects his signature warmth and thoughtfulness. Whether it’s a heartfelt speech, a nod to Leila’s adventurous spirit, or a quiet moment during the aisle walk, his gesture promises to be a highlight. For Leila, an independent woman who’s always forged her own way, her father’s love remains a constant, making this personal touch a memory she’ll cherish forever.