Al Roker experienced a moment of panic when he got a call from Hoda Kotb at 3:45 a.m.

<p.Hoda, 60, was informing him about her upcoming exit from the “Today” show, where she has co-anchored alongside Savannah Guthrie since 2018. During a conversation with YSL News in New York on Tuesday, Roker, 70, expressed how thrilled he is for Hoda, who plans to leave early next year to spend more quality time with her children while continuing with NBC.

“She has the opportunity to enjoy her life and explore new things,” he remarked.

Roker added, “If I were in Hoda’s position, I’d probably make the same choice, particularly with two young kids.” He joked about his own situation, saying, “I’ve got one foot in the grave.”

The weather anchor confirmed he does not plan to leave the “Today” show any time soon because he is still “enjoying it.” He shared these thoughts with YSL News during a book-signing event hosted by Good Housekeeping to celebrate the 115th anniversary of their famous seal of approval.

Roker has co-authored a new cookbook titled “Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By” (Legacy Lit, pp. 256, releasing on October 15) along with his daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, who is a professional chef. The cookbook emphasizes family traditions, showcasing recipes that reflect meals Roker’s mother used to cook. Given that many recipes were never formally documented, Roker noted that his daughter took on the role of a “recipe detective,” interviewing relatives to recover the exact ingredients — all while expecting a child herself.

“You’re juggling a book and a baby at the same time,” he joked. “What an overachiever!”

Although Roker emphasized he’s “not a chef” like his daughter, he was genuinely impressed by her cooking talents while working on the book. This led him to reference a quote from “Star Wars,” stating, “The student has become the master.”

In July of last year, Roker became a grandfather for the first time when his daughter Courtney gave birth to a baby girl with her husband Wes. Now, over a year later, he tells YSL News that grandparenthood has been “crazy” and brings him immense “euphoria.”

Reflecting on his past, he joked, “I used to be that person rolling their eyes when others showed photos of their grandchildren, thinking, ‘Sure, sure, nobody’s child can be that amazing.’ And now look at me! I can’t help but show off photos and share every incredible thing she’s accomplished in just the last week!”

He added, “You meet this little person and instantly fall in love. This has happened with all of my children, but it’s even stronger with a grandchild. It’s like, ‘Where have you been all my life?’ Someone once told me, ‘If I had known they’d be this wonderful, I would have had them first.’ And it’s so true.”

It’s been nearly two years since Roker faced a significant health crisis, having been hospitalized in late 2022 due to blood clots and bleeding ulcers. He shared that he is “doing well” now and feels “very blessed,” remarking that this experience changed his perspective and made him more appreciative of the “kindness and goodness of strangers.”

As for the future, Roker looks forward to the “Today” show’s Halloween episode, although he admits, “I still don’t have any idea what we’re doing. I’m sure someone told me at some point, but that’s one of the perks of being 70: everything feels new!”