Al Roker Officially Becomes ‘Pop-Pop’ As He Welcomes First Grandchild With Adorable Name

Jul 05, 2023

Since 1996, Al Roker has been delivering the weather news to every American household on NBC's morning show, "TODAY." He has established himself as a prominent figure in American television. 

Born in 1954 in Queens, New York, Roker kickstarted his career in journalism as a weather presenter on various local television stations across the United States. He earned national recognition for his magnetic on-air presence and became a beloved figure among people of all ages. Starting out as a weekend weathercaster, he soon began hosting the weather forecast on a nightly basis. From the '90s onwards, he began filling in for "TODAY" show regulars such as Willard Scott, Bryant Gumbel and Matt Lauer in their absence. By 1996, Roker was regularly handling the weather report, alongside other notable appearances that have made him a household name and NBC staple. 

Aside from becoming a part of everyone's daily programming, Roker also hosted various television programs like "Roker on the Road," "Wake Up With Al," and "Al Roker's Big Bad BBQ." Roker has also authored several books, cookbooks, and even memoirs, as well as being a patron and philanthropist of various organizations.

He is also a recipient of various accolades and achievements in his television career, including multiple Emmy Awards for his weather reporting. Among his most significant charge is hosting NBC's annual coverage of New York City's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, something he has done every year since 1995. 

Roker has shared a lot of milestones in his life with the American people. Most recently, it was the announcement that his daughter Courtney Roker would be welcoming her first kid and Roker's first grandchild, whose name was finally revealed! Keep on reading to know more about Roker, the important milestone, and the name of his grandchild.  

On Mar. 14, 2023, Courtney, Roker's daughter, surprised everyone with the announcement that she and her husband, Wes Laga, are expecting a child together. Taking to Instagram to announce the special news, Courtney brilliantly used the Mariah Carey hit song "Always Be My Baby" to make the announcement fill with more joy. 

"A new adventure is about to begin ❤️🍼," Courtney wrote at the time. She also confirmed the news to TODAY subsequently. 

"We are extremely excited to welcome a new member into our family and start this next chapter in our lives," she told the outlet of the announcement. "We feel truly blessed and excited for our little miracle."

Roker, who was elated to be a grandfather finally, took to the comments and expressed his excitement for her daughter, even suggesting that he would be using the nickname "Pop-Pop." 

For those who do not know, Courtney is a Culinary Content Manager & Recipe Developer; she and Laga tied the knot in 2021. Roker was present on his daughter's wedding day along with his wife, ABC News Senior National Affairs Correspondent Deborah Roberts. 

"A perfect magical evening being there for the marriage of my first princess @ouichefroker and @djweslaga with @debrobertsabc and #maidofhonor @cleilapatra and #groomsman," Roker said in the caption of his Instagram photo carousel which contained photos of them, her dance with Courtney, and the bride's maid of honor. 

When Courtney spoke to the outlet in March, she did not clarify how long she was due for but assured everyone that she was "feeling great and baby is healthy." 

The TODAY family happily announced that they have officially grown by one as Roker's daughter, Courtney, has finally given birth to a healthy baby girl. Born on Jul. 3, 2023, Roker's granddaughter, Sky Clara Laga, was born. 

Roker "couldn't be happier" with the new addition to their family, confirming to TODAY that everyone was doing well. 

"That's really cute that his first grandchild's name is Sky," TODAY co-host Sheinelle Jones said. "How cute is that?"

Aside from Jones, co-host Peter Alexander even reminded little Sky of the schedule, jokingly saying that her first weather forecast would be next Monday already!

Back in March, Roker even revealed that the pregnancy news wasn't revealed by the parents. In fact, it was Laga's brother who accidentally spilled the beans. 

"Wes' goofy brother accidentally dropped (the news) on a text. Thanks Cory," he said back then.

On her Instagram account, Courtney shared the first two photos of little Sky. 

"Sky Clara Laga made her debut yesterday at 12:41 pm and we are absolutely obsessed with her. Thank you to Dr Shonda Corbett and the labor & delivery team at @holynamemedicalcenter who helped bring her into this world 💕" she said in the caption. 

The photos of Sky were nothing but adorable. In the first photo, Sky was smiling sweetly as her small fingers curled. The second photo saw Sky looking at the camera, holding the fingers of what seemed to be his father, Laga. 

Roker commented on the post, professing his love for his "little princess." Meanwhile, Roberts gushed about her grandchild, saying – "She is perfection! So absolutely happy for our new addition! 💜"

Congratulations, Al Roker, Courtney, and Wes! Isn't Little Sky the cutest? What can you say about her? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other Al Roker fans out there!