The world of morning television has lost a quiet pillar of strength. Alice Bell, the first wife of beloved Today show weatherman Al Roker and the devoted mother of his daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, has passed away at the age of 77, leaving a profound impact on all who knew her. The loss has left her family and friends in deep sorrow, with Al himself growing visibly emotional as he shared intimate memories of the woman who stood by his side during his formative years, from the time he was still an unknown figure to when his career began to take off.

Alice Bell’s Enduring Influence

Alice Bell’s passing marks the end of an era for the Roker family, one defined by resilience, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion. Married to Al from 1984 to 1994, Alice was more than just a partner — she was a steadfast supporter during his early career struggles. Al Roker, now a household name, recalled those early years on a tearful Today segment on February 12, 2025, saying, “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, through the late nights and the rejections.”

Al spoke of the unspoken bond they shared, their private moments that will never be made public, and how deeply she had shaped his understanding of love and family. “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 admitted, his voice cracking with emotion.

Their marriage may have ended in 1994, but the love they shared left an indelible mark on Al’s life. Courtney Roker Laga, their daughter, has grown into a 37-year-old mother herself, now raising her 19-month-old daughter, Sky, with her husband Wesley Laga. She captured the depth of her loss in an Instagram tribute that read, “She was my mother, my heart… I was with her for her last breath, and I will carry her love with me always.” Accompanying photos showed Alice cradling Sky, despite her frailty, her eyes twinkling with the love that had defined her entire life.

Alice as a Grandmother: A Lasting Legacy

In the days following Alice’s death, Al couldn’t help but reflect on the joy Alice brought to their family, especially as a grandmother. Though Alice’s health had declined, she still found the strength to share special moments with Sky, whom Al lovingly described as “Alice’s biggest fan.”

“Alice was Sky’s biggest fan from day one,” Al shared, his voice tinged with affection. “She’d whisper stories to her about our adventures, even when her voice was soft.” Al, who became a grandfather for the first time in 2023, spoke about his joy at the thought of spoiling Sky in the same way his father had spoiled him. “I plan to honor Alice’s legacy by spoiling Sky as ‘Pop-Pop,’” Al said, referring to the nickname passed down from his father.

Alice’s influence on her family was immeasurable, and her love for her grandchildren will live on through the stories and memories she shared with them.

Family Struggles: A Time of Grief and Healing

The sorrow of Alice’s passing is compounded by the timing, as it comes only months after Al opened up about his wife Deborah Roberts’ ongoing health battles, which have left him sleepless with worry. Deborah, married to Al since 1995 and the mother of their children Leila, 26, and Nicholas, 22, has been a pillar of support throughout these difficult times. Courtney’s tribute on Instagram reflected the deep bond shared between the three most important women in her life: Alice, her stepmother Deborah, and her mother-in-law Barbara.

In a poignant post for Mother’s Day 2022, Courtney wrote, “Honoring the three most important women in my life: my mom Alice, my stepmother Deborah, and my mother-in-law Barbara.” This post was a testament to the close-knit family that Alice had nurtured, and how her influence extended beyond her role as a mother to encompass the broader family dynamics.

Al, absent from the February 11 Today broadcast due to his grief, returned the next day to a studio filled with empathy from cohosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. Former Today colleague Tamron Hall also sent her condolences, echoing the sentiment of support with a heartfelt message to Courtney: “Sending our love.” The outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment world underscored Alice’s warmth and the impact she had on all who knew her.

A Lasting Legacy of Love

Though Alice Bell’s passing has left a void in the Roker family, it is clear that her legacy will live on in the lives she touched. She was more than just the mother of Al’s children; she was a woman who lived with grace, strength, and a selfless love that resonated deeply with everyone around her.

Al’s words on Today continue to echo in the hearts of viewers: “No matter what happens, these are always your children—and the love we shared with Alice will always be our guiding light.” In this year already marked by celebrity farewells, Alice’s story reminds us that true legacy lies not in headlines, but in the quiet bonds that endure.

As the Roker family navigates this profound loss, they can take comfort in knowing that Alice’s love will continue to guide them, inspiring the generations that follow. Rest in peace, Alice Bell — your heart beats on in those you leave behind.