Al Roker Turns 70: Oprah Winfrey Shares Birthday Advice

Al Roker celebrated his 70th birthday on Tuesday, receiving heartfelt advice from a cherished old friend: Oprah Winfrey.

In a candid discussion filmed for the “Today” show, the iconic TV personalities indulged in a tequila-Aperol-grapefruit drink at Roker’s New York residence. Reflecting on the milestone, Winfrey shared her excitement about reaching 70, a significant number she had always doubted she would see.

“I was excited to make 70,” said Winfrey, who also reached the same milestone this year. “I’m excited to make every number. Because I remember many years ago as a young girl, I always thought that I would never make it to the 60s or 70s.”

Winfrey continued, highlighting the importance of appreciating life: “There is a sense of knowing there isn’t as much time left, and I am at peace with that knowing. There’s a sense of urgency for me about living well, living as strongly as I can.”

The former “Oprah Winfrey Show” host touched on her challenging childhood in Milwaukee, spent on welfare with her late mother, Vernita Lee. She remarked, “I probably wouldn’t be here” if she had stayed in those conditions.

The conversation also delved into their individual health struggles and triumphs. Winfrey marveled at Roker’s resilience, saying, “What is amazing is that your heart has been pumpin’, pumpin’, pumpin’ for you for 69 solid years, almost getting you there to 70. And it’s been doing that right on time, just for you.”

Last January, Roker returned to “Today” following a brief hiatus due to health complications. Earlier this summer, Winfrey had to miss an interview on “CBS Mornings” with author David Wroblewski due to a gastroenteritis episode.

Despite these challenges, both maintain a positive outlook. “There is a sense of knowing there isn’t as much time left, and I am at peace with that knowing,” Winfrey reiterated. “There’s a sense of urgency for me about living well, living as strongly as I can.”

Their dialogue also embraced the gift of age. Roker mentioned that “age brings whoever you are into sharper relief.” Winfrey reflected on aging, stating, “I have aged into a form of myself that’s more wise, that is certainly stronger, that is more vibrant and aware and conscious than I’ve ever been.”

Roker, lightheartedly, added, “70 is a number, but nothing to be worried about?”

Source: USA TODAY