Robin Roberts is standing by Al Roker and his wife, Deborah Roberts, as they navigate the challenges of his prostate cancer diagnosis.
The Good Morning America anchor, 60, recently shared words of encouragement for the couple while speaking with Entertainment Tonight,
offering insight into how she has been supporting her longtime friends.
A Supportive Friend in a Difficult Time
Robin, who has worked alongside Deborah at ABC News for years, revealed that she has been in frequent contact with her, helping her through this difficult time.
“I have been almost in constant contact with her and helping her navigate,” Robin said,
emphasizing her commitment to standing by Deborah as she supports her husband through his health battle.
Despite the serious nature of Al’s diagnosis, Robin expressed confidence in his ability to overcome it, praising his strength and resilience. “Al Roker, he’s got this,” she said. “This man, talk about somebody who is resilient, already back at work.”
Having battled breast cancer herself in the past, Robin knows firsthand the importance of having a strong support system. She commended Al for his openness about his diagnosis and his willingness to share his journey with the public.
“I am so proud of him,” she said. “Both of them have been dear friends … I am not surprised at all that he has handled it with the grace that he hasn’t run from it. That he is willing to let his journey be a lesson for others, and I’m very confident that things are going to go well for him. My heart goes out to both he and Deb. He’s a good man.”
Al Roker’s Cancer Diagnosis and Public Announcement
In early November, Al Roker, 66, revealed during a broadcast of Today that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He shared that he chose to go public with his diagnosis to raise awareness, particularly for other men who might be at risk.
“It’s a good news–bad news kind of thing,” Roker explained at the time. “Good news is we caught it early. Not-great news is that it’s a little aggressive, so I’m going to be taking some time off to take care of this.”
His decision to be open about his diagnosis was met with an outpouring of support from fans, colleagues, and friends, including Robin and Deborah.
Undergoing Surgery and Recovery
Shortly after his announcement, Roker underwent surgery to remove his prostate. On social media, he kept his followers updated on his progress, sharing a positive message just days after the procedure.
“Relieved to let you all know that my #prostatecancer surgery is done and back home,” he wrote in a post on Twitter and Instagram.
By the end of November, Roker was already back on the set of Today, showing just how determined he was to return to his normal routine. When he reunited with his co-hosts, including Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Carson Daly, and Craig Melvin, he expressed gratitude for the incredible support he received.
“Great medical care and the love of friends and family—it goes a long way,” he said.
He also brought his signature humor to the conversation, joking about one of the more uncomfortable aspects of post-surgery recovery. “Let me tell you, after that first week you can get that catheter out. I’m feeling good!” he laughed.
The Importance of Early Detection
Roker’s diagnosis came after a routine physical revealed an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in his bloodwork. Following further tests, including an MRI and a biopsy, doctors confirmed the presence of cancer on September 29.
Dr. Vincent Laudone, Roker’s physician, explained that the cancer “appears somewhat limited or confined to the prostate,” which led them to decide on surgery as the best course of action.
Hearing the diagnosis was understandably difficult for Roker, especially since he had attended the doctor’s appointment alone.
“When he started, he closed his door and said, ‘I always like to have these discussions face to face,’” Roker recalled. “And I was like, ‘Uh oh. Well, that doesn’t sound good.’ … You hear the word cancer, and your mind goes—it’s the next level, you know?”
In hindsight, he wished he had brought Deborah with him to the appointment. “I feel badly because I didn’t tell Deborah to come with me,” he admitted. “In hindsight, boy, I wish I’d told her to come. … She was upset. And once she got past that, the reporter in her kinda took over. And then she’s been at everything ever since.”
A Testament to Strength and Support
Through it all, Al Roker has remained positive and determined, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. His openness about his diagnosis and treatment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and proactive healthcare.
Meanwhile, Robin Roberts’ unwavering support for both Al and Deborah highlights the deep friendships that exist among television’s most beloved personalities. With Deborah by his side and friends like Robin offering encouragement, Roker is surrounded by a strong and loving support system as he continues his recovery journey.
As Robin said, “He’s got this.”
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