Alice Bell, the first wife of beloved Today show weatherman Al Roker and the mother of their daughter Courtney Roker Laga, has died at the age of 77, leaving a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and admirers. Courtney confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance from fans and colleagues alike. In his public reflections, Al Roker was visibly emotional as he recalled the years Alice stood by him—from the earliest, uncertain days of striving in New York City to the heights of his national success.
He revealed that many of the most cherished moments they shared remain private, now locked forever in his memory. Al and Alice were married in 1984 and remained together for a decade, until 1994. Although their marriage ultimately ended, those ten years were deeply meaningful and formative. During those early years, Alice was far more than a spouse—she was a steady, often quiet source of support and encouragement in moments when success seemed distant and the path ahead uncertain.
“Alice was there from the very beginning, when I was just a guy with big dreams and a weather map. She believed in me when no one else did,” Al said, his voice strained with emotion during a Today segment. Together, they adopted their daughter Courtney in 1987 and nurtured her with love and stability.
Courtney, now a mother herself, paid tribute to her mother in an emotional Instagram post: “She was my mother, my heart, and the most loving grandmother to Sky. I was with her for her last breath, and I will carry her love with me always.” In the accompanying photos, Alice was seen cradling her granddaughter Sky—her gaze soft, her presence warm, even in her later days when illness had shadowed her health. Some of the images included an oxygen cannula, which suggests she had been dealing with respiratory difficulty.
In a rare glimpse into his personal life, Al spoke candidly about the private legacy she leaves behind. “There are things between us—private jokes, quiet promises made in the dim light of our first apartment—that the world will never know. They were ours alone, and now they’re mine to hold onto,” he said. He emphasized how Alice, though generally out of the public eye, served as his emotional anchor during those pivotal years. She influenced how he views parenthood:
“Your job is making sure your children can be whoever they want to be. Alice taught me that—selflessly, without fanfare.”
The timing of Alice’s passing comes at a challenging moment for Al. His current wife, Deborah Roberts, has been contending with ongoing health issues, leaving Al emotionally taxed and concerned. The family now carries a weight of grief and care, interwoven. In the days following the announcement, tributes poured in from colleagues and longtime friends.
Former Today hosts Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie publicly praised Alice for her warmth and kindness, recalling how she always brought genuine presence into visits at Rockefeller Plaza and beyond.
Alice’s role as grandmother was deeply cherished. Al, who became a grandfather in 2023, reflected on her devotion to baby Sky: “Alice was Sky’s biggest fan from day one. She’d whisper stories to her about our adventures, even when her voice was soft.” He expressed his intention to honor Alice’s legacy by leaning into his role as “Pop‑Pop,” the affectionate name passed down from his father, and by perpetuating the love and connection she embodied.
Alice Bell’s life reminds us that many of the greatest influences lie out of the spotlight. Her grace, generosity, and unwavering belief in those she loved shaped not only Al’s career and family but the lives of everyone who had the privilege to know her. As Al said in his tribute, “No matter what happens, these are always your children—and the love we shared with Alice will always be our guiding light.”
Rest in peace, Alice Bell. May your legacy live on in every laugh, every memory, and every heart you touched.
Alice Bell, the first wife of beloved Today show weatherman Al Roker and the mother of their daughter Courtney Roker Laga, has died at the age of 77, leaving a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and admirers. Courtney confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance from fans and colleagues alike. In his public reflections, Al Roker was visibly emotional as he recalled the years Alice stood by him—from the earliest, uncertain days of striving in New York City to the heights of his national success.
He revealed that many of the most cherished moments they shared remain private, now locked forever in his memory. Al and Alice were married in 1984 and remained together for a decade, until 1994. Although their marriage ultimately ended, those ten years were deeply meaningful and formative. During those early years, Alice was far more than a spouse—she was a steady, often quiet source of support and encouragement in moments when success seemed distant and the path ahead uncertain.
“Alice was there from the very beginning, when I was just a guy with big dreams and a weather map. She believed in me when no one else did,” Al said, his voice strained with emotion during a Today segment. Together, they adopted their daughter Courtney in 1987 and nurtured her with love and stability.
Courtney, now a mother herself, paid tribute to her mother in an emotional Instagram post: “She was my mother, my heart, and the most loving grandmother to Sky. I was with her for her last breath, and I will carry her love with me always.” In the accompanying photos, Alice was seen cradling her granddaughter Sky—her gaze soft, her presence warm, even in her later days when illness had shadowed her health. Some of the images included an oxygen cannula, which suggests she had been dealing with respiratory difficulty.
In a rare glimpse into his personal life, Al spoke candidly about the private legacy she leaves behind. “There are things between us—private jokes, quiet promises made in the dim light of our first apartment—that the world will never know. They were ours alone, and now they’re mine to hold onto,” he said. He emphasized how Alice, though generally out of the public eye, served as his emotional anchor during those pivotal years. She influenced how he views parenthood:
“Your job is making sure your children can be whoever they want to be. Alice taught me that—selflessly, without fanfare.”
The timing of Alice’s passing comes at a challenging moment for Al. His current wife, Deborah Roberts, has been contending with ongoing health issues, leaving Al emotionally taxed and concerned. The family now carries a weight of grief and care, interwoven. In the days following the announcement, tributes poured in from colleagues and longtime friends.
Former Today hosts Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie publicly praised Alice for her warmth and kindness, recalling how she always brought genuine presence into visits at Rockefeller Plaza and beyond.
Alice’s role as grandmother was deeply cherished. Al, who became a grandfather in 2023, reflected on her devotion to baby Sky: “Alice was Sky’s biggest fan from day one. She’d whisper stories to her about our adventures, even when her voice was soft.” He expressed his intention to honor Alice’s legacy by leaning into his role as “Pop‑Pop,” the affectionate name passed down from his father, and by perpetuating the love and connection she embodied.
Alice Bell’s life reminds us that many of the greatest influences lie out of the spotlight. Her grace, generosity, and unwavering belief in those she loved shaped not only Al’s career and family but the lives of everyone who had the privilege to know her. As Al said in his tribute, “No matter what happens, these are always your children—and the love we shared with Alice will always be our guiding light.”
Rest in peace, Alice Bell. May your legacy live on in every laugh, every memory, and every heart you touched.
