Al Roker’s ex-wife, Alice Bell, has died at the age of 77, her daughter announced via social media.
On Monday, February 10, Courtney Roker Laga expressed her deep sorrow on Instagram, honoring her mother and beloved grandmother to Sky. She shared how she was present during her mother’s final moments and will treasure her love forever.
In her social media post, Laga shared several throwback photos from her childhood.
Messages of support poured in from former Today show cohost Tamron Hall and family friend Holly Robinson Peete, offering their love and condolences in the comment section.
Details surrounding Bell’s passing remain undisclosed. In Laga’s Instagram post, Bell was pictured connected to an oxygen tube, engaging with her granddaughter, Sky, in a touching moment.
Roker, 70, who was married to Bell from 1984 to 1994, adopted Laga in 1987. He has not commented on his ex-wife’s death but was absent from the Today show on Tuesday, February 11.
The NBC News meteorologist later welcomed two kids Leila, 26, and Nicholas, 22, with his current wife, Deborah Roberts. In a recent social media post, Laga praised Roberts, 64, as her “bonus mom.”
“Happy birthday to my bonus mom @debrobertsabc ❤️,” she wrote via Instagram in September 2023. “More blessings, love, joy and peace in your life today and forever.”
Although Bell didn’t appear to have social media, Laga would often celebrate her on major holidays throughout the year.
“Happy Mother’s Day to the three most important women in my life,” she wrote via Instagram in May 2022. “My mom Alice, my stepmother Deborah and my mother in law Barbara ❤️.”
Courtney — who is a content creator, author and recipe developer — also praised Roker for being a great dad as she went on to marry Wes Laga and become a mom to daughter Sky.
“Happy 70th Birthday to the man who has been my hero and my biggest supporter,” Courtney wrote via Instagram in August 2024. “Dad, your strength, kindness, patience and love have shaped me into who I am today. I’m so grateful for every moment we’ve shared and all the wisdom you’ve passed down. Cheers to many more years of laughter, love, and memories ❤️.”
Meanwhile, Roker praised his oldest daughter for always following her heart and passions.
“When she was in her sophomore year in college, she came to Deborah and me and said, ‘You know, guys, I don’t think this is for me. But I’d like to go to culinary school,’” Roker recalled on MSNBC’s Know Your Value. “We were surprised at first, and then I thought, ‘I should have thought of that.’ Courtney always liked to cook. She loved food presentation, too.”
