Al Roker’s daughter Courtney has penned a sweet tribute to her “hero” father, as the Today host also paid tribute to his own late and “loving” father.
His eldest child Courtney Roker Laga, 35, posted a photo of the couple smiling on her wedding day, writing in the Father’s Day Post: ‘Some people don’t believe in heroes but they haven’t met my dad.
“He definitely gives Superman his money’s worth. Happy Father’s Day @alroker.’
Meanwhile, the 68-year-old Today weather host took to Instagram to thank his late father, Albert Lincoln Roker Sr., who passed away in 2001 from lung cancer.
Courtney Roker Laga (right), 35, wrote a sweet tribute to her ‘hero’ dad Al Roker (left), 68, for Father’s Day
Al stressed to his co-host Craig Melvin, 44, that “every relationship is unique to every child.” The adorable family photo features Al with his kids and wife
Al (pictured in plaid tie) posted a sweet tribute to his late father, Albert Lincoln Roker Sr., (pictured in black suit) for Father’s Day
He posted a nostalgic family photo with an emotional tribute: “I miss Al Roker, Sr. every day, but on this day, as I approach #grandfatherhood, I miss him even more. I love you #popop.’
Al’s father Albert was a “proud bus driver” and he said that earlier People that ‘one of the things I always remember, and I try to do, is that he was really my biggest advocate. And I try to be that for my children.’
He added, “One of the greatest lessons I learned from my dad was making sure your kids know you love them.
“He made sure we knew he loved us at the end of every conversation. If it was on the phone, it was an “I love you.” If you were personal, it was a hug and a kiss and and “I love you.” And there’s nothing better.’
told Al Today he tried to “imitate” his father by doing the same with his children.
While Al has been a great example of fatherhood to those around him, he himself is constantly learning new ways to get better through his children.
His daughter, Courtney, took the “non-traditional route” when she decided to go to culinary school, which taught Al “that you have to listen to your kid.”
“You know them, but they know themselves best, and you have to rely on that,” he said MSNBC.
And when his youngest daughter Leila Roker, 24, wanted to attend a performing arts high school, Al said, “Youunless your kids do something that’s going to hurt them, you have to let them make their own choices—within reason, of course, but you have to let them have that ownership.”
Al’s (left) co-host Craig (right) was asked “who is his biggest dad role model” and he immediately replied, “Oh, it’s Al Roker.” No question’
Craig strives to be more “emotionally and mentally present” for his children
He pays attention to the specific needs of his children. His daughter wants “active involvement” but his son prefers to “share a word or thought” more sparingly while watching a show
His son Nicolas Albert Roker, 20, had motor difficulties at a young age but always dreamed of getting a black belt, which he eventually earned. Al learned “not to put any restrictions on him – I wouldn’t do that with my other kids, so I shouldn’t do that with him either.”
He continued, “And also learning to let kids fail if that’s what ends up happening. Seeing what he could achieve with such challenges at such a young age was a real eye-opener, and it has stayed with me.”
Al’s Today co-host Craig Melvin, 44, was asked ‘who is his biggest father role model’ and he immediately replied: ‘Oh, it’s Al Roker. No question.’
He is very inspired by Al managing to “parent at work” and even “[puts] burn out’ between commercial breaks.
Of all Al has taught him, “the importance of listening to your children” ranks highest on his list of priorities.
Al focuses on “how every relationship is different and unique for every child,” and he leads with that as a father, Craig explains.
Craig has grown tremendously as a father and initiates the mental notes of what Al taught him.
Craig (pictured right with his family) is very inspired by the busy Al (pictured left with his family) who manages to ‘parent at work’ and even ‘[puts] burn out’ between commercial breaks
“I pride myself on being physically present for my kids, and what I’m working on is being more emotionally and mentally present for them,” he shared. Parents.
“When I’m with my son or daughter, I listen and respond to what they tell me, instead of wondering what my to-do list is, or thinking about that morning’s show or emails.” which I have to come back to. ‘
Al taught him that “every relationship is different and unique for every kid,” and Craig has taken that to heart.
He implements the specific and personal needs of his children.
His daughter wants “active involvement,” but his son prefers to “share a word or thought” while watching a program.