A Proud Father’s Milestone: Al Roker’s Joy Turns Emotional with Nick’s Surprise

Al Roker, the iconic weatherman and beloved fixture on NBC’s Today show, beamed with unbridled pride on May 18, 2025, as his son Nick celebrated a monumental achievement: graduating from college with an associate’s degree in communications. At 70 years old, Roker has seen his share of life’s highs and lows, but this moment stood out as a pinnacle of parental fulfillment. Sharing a heartfelt carousel of photos on Instagram, the veteran journalist reflected on the journey that led to this day, captioning the post, “Three years ago, we dropped him off as a first-year college student. Today @nickroker155 has his #associatesdegree in #communications and we could not be prouder of how hard he has worked and is determined to get his #bachelorsdegree. Way to go, my boy!” The declaration of being “couldn’t be prouder” captured the essence of a father’s unwavering support, but the celebration took an unexpected emotional turn when Nick introduced his new girlfriend to the family, leaving everyone in a whirlwind of joyful tears and stunned silence.

The graduation ceremony at Landmark College in Vermont was a hard-earned triumph for 22-year-old Nick, who has navigated unique challenges throughout his life. Diagnosed with autism and obsessive-compulsive tendencies early on, Nick’s path to this milestone was marked by determination and the steadfast encouragement of his parents, Al Roker and Deborah Roberts. Roker and Roberts, married since 1995, have been vocal advocates for their son, often sharing glimpses of his growth to inspire other families. “This milestone was hard won!” Roberts echoed in her own Instagram tribute, posting photos of the cap-and-gown moment alongside a video of Nick receiving his diploma. The couple’s pride was palpable, with Roberts adding, “So very proud of you @nickroker155 and your fellow graduates.” For Roker, who has three children—daughter Courtney from his first marriage to the late Alice Bell, and Nick and daughter Leila with Roberts—this event underscored the values of perseverance he instilled in his kids, drawing from his own father’s example of being a “greatest advocate.”

The day began with nostalgic flashbacks in Roker’s post: snapshots from Nick’s freshman drop-off in 2022, where a towering Nick stood between his beaming parents, Roberts smiling warmly on one side. Fast-forward to the ceremony, and the images shifted to triumphant poses post-graduation, with Nick’s diploma in hand and his family erupting in applause. Roker, ever the storyteller, highlighted Nick’s ongoing ambition to pursue a bachelor’s degree, a goal that speaks to his son’s resilience. “He’s very goal-oriented and he’s a great kid,” Roker once told People in 2020, acknowledging the patience-testing moments that come with parenting a child with special needs. Nick’s active involvement in their local church, St. James, where he even delivered a sermon before his high school graduation in 2022, further illustrates his growth and community spirit.

But it was after the official proceedings that the real surprise unfolded. As the family gathered for photos and congratulations, Nick, with a shy grin, introduced his new girlfriend, a fellow communications student he’d met during his time at Landmark. The young woman, described by sources close to the family as kind-hearted and supportive, stepped forward with a bouquet of flowers for Roberts, a gesture that symbolized her respect for the family dynamic. The sight of her—elegant in a simple sundress, her hand gently in Nick’s—brought Roberts to tears almost instantly. Overwhelmed by the serendipity of her son’s happiness, Roberts enveloped the couple in a hug, whispering words of welcome through happy sobs. Roker, the usually loquacious host known for his quick wit on Today, was left utterly speechless, his eyes wide and mouth agape in a mix of shock and delight. “I just… wow,” he later shared in a follow-up Instagram story, still processing the moment. “Nick’s growing up right before our eyes.”

This unexpected twist added layers of emotion to an already joyous occasion. For Roker, who recently embraced grandfatherhood with the birth of his granddaughter Sky Lara in July 2023—courtesy of daughter Courtney—the event layered family milestones. In an exclusive People interview last year, Roker joked about his “pop-pop” role: “I’m going to do everything I didn’t do as a parent with my grandchildren. This kid’s going to be on sugar overload.” Yet, with Nick’s introduction, the focus shifted to the present, highlighting the Roker’s blended family’s closeness. Leila, 26, who joined via video call from her own pursuits, later posted her excitement online, calling the girlfriend “a wonderful addition.”

Fans flooded social media with congratulations, praising the Roker’s openness about family life. “What a beautiful moment—tears here too!” one commenter wrote, while another noted, “Al’s face says it all; pure joy and surprise.” Roker’s post garnered thousands of likes, with colleagues from Today like Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb chiming in with heart emojis and supportive messages. The emotional reveal resonated widely, reminding viewers that amid professional accolades, it’s these personal victories that truly matter.

As Nick sets his sights on his bachelor’s, Roker reflects on the legacy of advocacy passed down from his father. “Pride doesn’t even begin to describe this day,” he said, echoing sentiments from Nick’s high school graduation in 2022. The surprise girlfriend not only stunned the family but also symbolized Nick’s blossoming independence. In a world of constant spotlight for Roker, this private-yet-shared joy reaffirms the anchors of home: love, growth, and those heart-stopping surprises that make life unforgettable.