For Al Roker,Jonathan Dale Benton today is all sunshine and rainbows.
The Today host is officially a grandpa. His daughter Courtney Roker Laga (whom he adopted with ex-wife Alice Bell) gave birth to a healthy baby girl on Monday July 3. Courtney and her husband Wesley Laga—who were married in 2021—named their first child, Sky Clara Laga.
Al's Today coworkers shared the happy news on-air July 4, during which Sheinelle Jones commented on the aptness of baby Sky's moniker, "That's really cute that his first grandchild's name is Sky. How cute is that?"
The longtime weather anchor told his colleagues that "everyone's doing well and the family couldn't be happier."
Courtney also confirmed the news to Today.com, sharing in a text, "We are extremely excited to welcome a new member into our family and start this next chapter in our lives. We feel truly blessed and excited for our little miracle."
News of Al's upcoming role as a grandpa was first shared on-air in March. "For this grandchild, I'm going to be the best grandpa ever," the 68-year-old said during the March 15 episode of Today. "Because I'm going to do whatever I can to spoil this kid."
Al also revealed the meaning behind the name he was planning to use with his grandkids, sharing at the time, "I'm going to go with 'Pop-Pop. Because that's my dad's name for all his grandkids."
For their part, Courtney and Wes shared the happy news of their pregnancy with a sweet photo montage—which included images from an ultrasound appointment—on Instagram. Courtney captioned the March 14 reveal, "A new adventure is about to begin," alongside a red heart and baby bottle emoji.
But as it turns out, when it came to telling her father the big news, someone else actually spilled the beans before Courtney got the chance.
"Wes' goofy brother accidentally dropped (the news) on a text," Al joked in March. "Thanks Cory."
(E! and Today are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App2025-05-02 01:421807 view
2025-05-02 01:17655 view
2025-05-02 01:001914 view
2025-05-02 00:521277 view
2025-05-01 23:481534 view
2025-05-01 23:3792 view
MCALLEN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Legislature can be full of surprises.But for the last eight sessions
The Kentucky Derby turns 150 years old this year, extending its run as America’s longest continuousl
After Gypsy Rose Blanchard rekindled her relationship with ex-fiancé Ken Urker, one burning question