Al Roker Is Taking Grandfatherhood by Storm! He Is 'Appreciating the Joy'

TODAY's Al Roker has a sunny forecast ahead of him. The 69-year-old tv personality has transitioned smoothly into his new role as a grandfather, fully embracing all the joys it brings. His first granddaughter, Sky Clara Laga, recently celebrated her first birthday on July 3, and "Pop-Pop" Al couldn’t be happier. Now, he’s cherishing every moment spent with Sky and her parents, his daughter Courtney Roker Laga and son-in-law Wes. 

Al Roker’s new granddaughter

Roker posted a video montage on Instagram to commemorate Sky’s first birthday:

"At 11:41 am a year ago today, I got to fall in love all over again in a very special way," Roker wrote in the caption. 

In March 2023, Roker’s oldest daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, announced via instagram that she and her husband, Wesley Laga, were expecting a child. The video was set to a remix of Mariah Carey’s "Always Be My Baby." The caption on the post read: "A new adventure is about to begin ????." 

Al Roker shares the joys of grandparenting

In an exclusive interview with TODAY.com, Roker revealed why being a grandfather is so special: it offers all the excitement of parenthood without all the anxiety.

"Especially when you’re a first-time parent, you are so immersed in making sure your kid’s OK. It is all-consuming," Roker explained. "And while from time to time you can appreciate the joy and the faith, you’re just so concerned and worried about this little person that you’re responsible for." 

Now a grandparent, Roker finds he can truly enjoy his granddaughter’s milestones. "By the time you become a grandparent, you already know what it takes to raise a child. And since it’s not your primary responsibility, you can really just bask in the joy of everything they do because you don’t have to worry about all the other stuff." 

For instance, Roker shared his excitement about Sky learning to crawl. "This past weekend she started crawling at our house, and it was fantastic!" he said. "I don’t have to think about the fact that now I’ve gotta really watch this kid. I mean, I do, but it’s not my 24-hour job."

Balancing help and independence

Roker acknowledged the need for baby-proofing but emphasized the pure joy of watching Sky’s discoveries. He’s only focused on "just reliving the joy of discovery of your child, only it’s once removed. So that now it really is just pure joy."

He also understands the importance of letting his children find their own way as parents. "Everybody’s parental style is different," he said. "So, you kind of let them find their way. You can gently suggest things and your kids can take that and use it or not. And once you’ve given that advice, you have to let it go, because they have to find their way."

Both Roker and his wife, Deborah Roberts, aim to support rather than critique their children’s parenting. The couple shares three children: Courtney, Leila, and Nicholas, with their youngest, Nick, currently in college. 

A proud Pop-Pop

Roker expressed his pride in his daughter and son-in-law. "They’re terrific parents and they’ve raised this, so far, incredibly happy baby who’s just very content, and very adventurous when it comes to food and just has a very, very lovely, happy disposition. So it's like, 'Well, whatever you’re doing, you’re doing a great job. I know it feels like it’s this all-consuming gig because in fact it is. But you’re doing a great job."

He also echoed a familiar sentiment about parental success: your happiness comes from your children’s happiness. "You’re only as happy as your least happy child ... and that probably goes for your grandchildren as well," Roker said. 

Judging by Sky’s happiness, his daughter and her husband are excelling. "I’ve seen a lot of babies. I’ve had my own babies. And I’ve just never seen a kid this happy," Roker laughed. 

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