'Today' host Al Roker's daughter Courtney reveals how his popularity affects her 4-month-old daughter
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Today’ weatherman Al Roker’s daughter Courtney Roker opened up about occasionally having to rein in her father after he committed a grandparent faux pas with her 4-month-old baby Sky.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Courtney made the admission and covered topics such as how her family is adjusting to life with Sky and a forthcoming book project that she is collaborating on with her father, Roker.
Courtney welcomed her baby daughter on July 3, marking Al Roker as a grandfather for the fourth time.
Courtney is Al Roker's daughter from his previous marriage to Alice Bell, and she has two siblings, Nick and Leila, from Roker's current wife, Deborah Roberts.
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Courtney Roker admits to ‘reining in dad’ Al Roker
Courtney has been navigating the various aspects of her daughter's sudden popularity, given their connection to the renowned ‘Today’ show's weatherman.
She expressed, "I mean, every mother thinks that their child is like the most beautiful thing in the world, right? So I think Sky is gorgeous."
"Some parents are hesitant to show off their child, which is rightfully so—they can do whatever they want. And I'm kind of the same a little bit, but you know, I love her, and I want to show her off!"
However, Courtney added a qualifier, "I am a little bit hesitant, you know, I don't post every day."
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The beloved TV personality's daughter shared, "My dad, he posts - a lot - but sometimes I gotta rein it in just a little bit because every time he posts, it ends up in an article somewhere!"
Courtney also admitted that despite the close bond in her family, her daughter Sky has a particular affinity for a specific family member.
"Sky loves Deborah, [she] gravitates toward her," Courtney shared, referring to Al Roker's wife, Deborah, whom she affectionately calls her "bonus mom."
Courtney went on to share, "Sky sees [Deborah], she starts smiling and she just radiates whenever I bring her around. Both of them radiate around each other."
Her siblings, Leila and Nick, also share a deep affection for the baby.
Courtney elaborated, saying, "Nick has changed [Sky's] diapers a couple of times - and he said he's in love with her - and Leila cried when she first held her."
Recalling a humorous moment from her pregnancy, Courtney mentioned that Roker joked, "I can't wait to fill [Sky] up with sugar and give her back to you."
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Al Roker's daughter Courtney opens up about her upcoming cookbook
Courtney also shared details about another passion project, her upcoming cookbook co-authored with her father.
With over a decade of experience as a recipe developer and professional cook, Courtney has been actively involved in the culinary world.
However, the release date for Roker and Courtney's cookbook is yet to be announced, as the project was temporarily halted.
This pause was due to Roker’s health challenges, including a hospitalization in late 2022 for a blood clot issue and subsequent struggles with ulcers in December.
Roker returned to the ‘Today’ Show in January of the following year.
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Discussing the delay, Courtney explained, "The cookbook was put on the back burner, and our priority at the time was my dad's health and his mental health and everything like that."
During Roker’s hospitalization, Courtney received the news of her pregnancy with Sky.
Reflecting on this period, she shared, "I think that my being pregnant with Sky motivated him and made him happy during that stressful time and afterward."
She continued, “It made him super happy and he was looking forward to having a granddaughter during that time."
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