Is Al Roker OK? Host makes virtual 'Today' show return, says hospital stints have 'been a tough slog'

Disgraced former 'Today' host Matt Lauer absent from Al Roker's 40th anniversary celebration

While talking to his co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer, Roker shared that “It’s been a tough slog, I’m not gonna deny this. It’s been the hardest one yet, and you know I’ve had my share of surgeries. But it gives you a profound sense of gratitude for this outpouring of prayers and thanks. I'm a very fortunate person.” 

On December 8, the weatherman shared a scenic picture that appears to be a sunrise view from his hospital window and wrote on Instagram "Hopefully coming home soon but when your spirit sags a bit, you get to see that and recharge. God Bless you all for all the prayers and well wishes for me and my family," while sharing his update amid rehospitalization.

"I feel good, I feel strong. And every day, I feel a little bit better,", Roker said to his co-anchors during his virtual appearance and also shared that he cooked dinner after returning home.

Though he has appeared virtually on the show to share his health update, the anchor who is currently doing physical and occupational therapy every day, will not be back on the show anytime soon as he explained "I've got to just get my strength back. And in the meantime, I was thinking in January of getting my knee replaced, so I've got to push that back. So I've got a number of issues." while mentioning that he has lost a certain amount of muscle mass. 

Roker was able to spend time for Thanksgiving dinner with his family before he was readmitted to the facility. However, he missed his 27-year tradition of attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and he may also miss the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center this year.

On his return home on December 8, the TV personality shared a picture with his family and wrote: "Home! So incredibly grateful to family, friends, medical folks, @todayshow family and all your thoughts and prayers."

Roker is married to ABC journalist Deborah Roberts and the couple shares a daughter Leila, 24, and a son Nicholas, 20. He also has a daughter Courtney, 35, with his ex-wife Alice Bell.