Johnathan Walker:Al Roker reveals when he learned of Hoda Kotb's 'Today' exit, reflects on life as a grandfather

When Al Roker received a call from Hoda Kotb at 3:45 a.m.,Johnathan Walker his first thought was to "panic."

Kotb, 60, was calling to share news of her departure from the "Today" show early next year after serving as co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie since 2018. Speaking with USA TODAY in New York on Tuesday, Roker, 70, said he "couldn't be happier" for his colleague, who told fans she's stepping away to spend more time with her kids but will stay in the NBC family.

"She gets to live her life and do stuff and explore things," he said.

"If I were where Hoda is right now, I would probably do the same thing because she's got two young children," Roker said before joking that he's "on the other end. I've got one foot in the grave."

The weatherman confirmed he has "no plans" to leave the "Today" show anytime soon, as he's still "having a great time." He spoke to USA TODAY at a book signing meet and greet during an event hosted by Good Housekeeping to celebrate the 115th anniversary of its iconic seal of approval.

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The "Today" anchor co-wrote the new cookbook "Al Roker's Recipes to Live By" (Legacy Lit, pp. 256, out Oct. 15) with his daughter Courtney Roker Laga, a professional chef, and it was a family affair in more ways than one. The book features recipes from the Roker family's kitchens, including meals his mom used to prepare. But because many of the recipes were never written down, Roker said his daughter acted like a "recipe detective," interviewing family members to piece the precise ingredients together — all while pregnant.

"OK, you're birthing a book and a baby," he joked. "Wow. A little overachiever."

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Roker, who stressed he's "not a chef" like his daughter, was so impressed by her culinary skills while assembling the book that a "Star Wars" quote came to mind. "The student has become the master," he said, channeling Darth Vader.

Last July, Roker became a grandfather for the first time when his daughter Courtney welcomed a baby girl with her husband Wes. More than a year later, he tells USA TODAY that being a grandpa has been "crazy" and fills him with "euphoria."

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"I was one of those people where friends would come in or co-workers and they're talking about their grandkids and showing pictures and I'm like, 'Blah, blah, blah. Nobody's kid is that great,'" he quipped. "I'm that guy now. And guess what? I don't care! I will bore you, and I will whip out the pictures, and I will tell you every unbelievable thing that she's done in the last week."

"You meet this little person, and you're instantly in love," he continued. "That happened with each of my children, but even more so with your grandchild, at least for me. It's like, 'Oh my God. Where have you been all my life?' Somebody told me, 'If I'd known they would be this great, I would have had them first.' And it's true."

It's been almost two years since Roker experienced a major health scare, as he was hospitalized at the end of 2022 with blood clots and bleeding ulcers. He said he's "doing well" these days and feels "very blessed," noting the experience changed the way he looks at things and bestowed more appreciation of the "grace and goodness of strangers."

Looking not too far ahead, Roker expressed excitement for the "Today" show's upcoming Halloween episode. "I still don't know what we're doing," he said. "I'm sure somebody told me, but that's the great thing about being 70: Everything's new."