President Biden Reveals Plans to Check in on Al Roker While Calling Into the Thanksgiving Day Parade

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty

President Bidenand First LadyDr. Jill Bidenare feeling grateful this Thanksgiving.

On Thursday, the pair called into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — speaking withTodayco-hostDylan Dreyer— to share their good wishes to Americans, especially first responders and Al Roker.

He added they would be “spending some time on the island thanking those first responders here.” The Bidens, who traditionally spend Thanksgiving on Nantucket, will have a family dinner and walk on the beach, Dr. Biden said during the call.

This is the second year in a row that they made a surprise phone call toTodayanchors. Last year, President Biden called his “pal” Roker during the broadcast. Duringthe 2021 parade, he told Roker, “My message is: After two years, you’re back. America is back. There’s nothing we’re unable to overcome, Al. And you’re one of the reasons for that, pal. You’re always up. You’re always rooting.”

This year, Roker had to miss the 96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade after walking the parade route for 27 years because he’s recovering fromblood clots in his leg and lungsthat sent him to the hospital earlier this month.

During this year’s broadcast, his fellowmorning show co-hostsalso sent Roker well wishes.

“For the past 27 parades, at this moment, Savannah, we would turn to Al Roker, who is ourTodayshow colleague and our best pal,“Hoda Kotbsaid. “But as a lot of you have heard, Al’s recovering — he’s recovering very well from a recent medical issue. And we just want to say, we love you Al. Wondering if you’re watching, but we wish you a full recovery.”

Savannah Guthriealso shared a heartfelt message with theTodayshow weather anchor, before announcing thatTodayco-host Dreyer will take his place this year.

“We love you, Al. We’ll see you next year,” Guthrie said. “And now, standing in for Al, Ms.Dylan Dreyerfrom theTodayshow. She’s positioned uptown at the parade’s start line. Hi Dylan, good morning!”

Dreyer had some sweet words for her the weather expert. “Good morning guys, and Happy Thanksgiving. Al, we love you, we miss you and we’re thinking about you!”

On Thursday, Roker sharedon his Instagramthat he left the hospital. “This is my version of the Thanksgiving Day Parade — getting ready to leave the hospital!” he said as he walked through the hall. “Time to blow this taco stand. Woohoo!”

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He also captioned the post: “So much to be #thankful for on the #thanksgiving day. Leaving the hospital and home for #thanksgivingdinner.”

“So many of you have been thoughtfully asking where I’ve been,” wrote Roker, 68, captioning aphoto of a bouquet of flowers. “Last week I was admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in my leg which sent some clots into my lungs.”

source: people.com