America’s favorite Uncle Al Roker recently welcomed his first grandchild. But even though being a grandparent is new territory for the longtime “Today” weatherman, Roker is no stranger to holding babies.
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To celebrate the 30-year opening of the Today Plaza, Roker was reunited with Jordan Burrell, a 30-year-old man Roker called the show’s “youngest viewer” in 1994.
“People work their whole lives to get on TV, and I managed to get on the first six months of my life,” Burrell joked.
The reunion turned into a tearjerker when Gregory, Burrell’s father, revealed that his wife, Maria — who held Burrell in the original clip — died before seeing Roker again.
“She would be elated,” he told Roker.
Fans of the show had a lot to say about the heartwarming reunion on social media.
“What a sweet moment frozen in time,” @_aunt_stephy wrote on Instagram. “Jordan was crying then, WE ARE CRYING NOW,” @dtzumbrunnen wrote.
“I remember this episode because I was fresh out of basic training and watching the Today show with my late mom,” @bamagrl26 commented on YouTube. @wood5495 said “The mom passing just broke my heart. I am so sorry.”
Comments flooded the Today Show’s social media expressing condolences for Maria.
“So nice to pay tribute and remember his mom. She had a beautiful smile.” Instagram commenter @rdheadrunner replied.
The Burrell men couldn’t let the mood stay down for too long: They laughed as they reflected on their journey to meet Roker years prior. For their first meeting, Roker gave the parents complimentary T-shirts but didn’t have one for the new baby.
This time, Roker proudly gifted one to a now bearded Burrell, who towered over him. In true uncle fashion, Roker could not help but notice Jordan’s growth. “Look at how big you’ve gotten,” he said smiling.
Co-host Carson Daly joked “Jordan, we’ll see you when you’re sixty.”
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