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HODA Kotb choked back tears as she presented this year’s Today show Christmas card.
The anchor noted one member of their family was missing.
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On Monday, Today show hosts Carson Daly, Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin and Hoda shared their favorite festive moments with their respective families.
When the segment was over, Hoda unveiled this year’s Today show card.
The red backed card featured a lace border and garland framing a center photo of the staff.
Hoda smiled and waved, as she and Savannah held a sign that read “Happy Holidays.”
Craig and Carson flanked their sides, smiling wide for the pic.
But beloved co-host Al Roker was notably missing from the happy snap. A fact noted by Hoda.
“This card is going to the one, the only, the one who is not in these pictures but should be in the center, Al Roker,” Hoda announced.
“We’ve got our card, we’re going to stick it in there, and we’re going to put it in the mail for Al, because he’s the one that holds us together.”
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AL’S RECOVERY
Al, 68, has been resting up at home recovering from a month-long hospital stay to treat blood clots in his legs and lungs.
Over the weekend, he shared a major health update while surrounded by his loved ones.
The adored weatherman was in good spirits in new snaps on Instagram with his wife Deborah Roberts, and their two children – daughter Leila, 24, and son Nick, 20.
Al wrote that he was “so thankful” to be “well enough” to decorate his Christmas tree with his family.
In one of the festive photos, he smiled wide while holding up a York mint chocolate ornament.
In another, he joined his three immediate family members and their adorable dog under their big tree – Al smiled in a casual grey top.
“So thankful to be well enough to decorate the Roker Family Christmas tree” he wrote alongside the intimate images.
FAN LOVE
Fans decked the halls of Al’s comments section, thrilled to see him looking happy and healthy.
“This made my night! Seeing you all together warms my heart. One day at a time with Al’s health journey back! Slow and steady wins the race!” one follower wrote.
Another gushed: “Very happy for you and your family your health is your wealth.”
“Loving all those smiles!!” wrote TV’s Stephanie Abrams.
“Beautiful family!! Glad you’re feeling better Al!” penned a fourth.
BLOOD CLOTS
The TV personality has been in the hospital twice in the space of a month and spoke about his recovery when he made a virtual appearance on Today recently.
“You lose a certain amount of muscle mass for every week you’re in the hospital and I was in the hospital for four weeks,” he shared.
“So there is a certain amount of weakness. I’m doing physical therapy every day, and occupational therapy. I’ve got to get my strength back.”
Al said he had planned a knee replacement in January but since he is still recovering, he has had to push that surgery back.
He continued: “But I feel good. I feel strong. Every day is a little better than the last, and I made dinner last night.
“I just feel like there’s gonna be a little bit of a slog. But there are people who have to deal with a lot more with a lot fewer resources. I’m very fortunate and very blessed to have the resources.”
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