Mayor Adams honors Al Roker with Key to City of New York

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has awarded the Key to the City of New York to legendary weatherman, journalist, and best-selling author Al Roker.

This esteemed accolade recognizes Roker’s decades-long contribution to broadcast journalism and his iconic status as “America’s weatherman.”

“For more than 40 years, Al Roker has been a morning institution in the households of New Yorkers and Americans across the nation,” said Mayor Adams. “Al’s winning smile, infectious energy, and go-getter attitude have been how TODAY’S millions of viewers a week start their day. A child of Queens, Al worked his way up the ranks to become the defining weatherman of his generation, leaping from local broadcast news and into living rooms across the country.

“We have spent everything from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades to Olympics to generation defining breaking news together with Al. Today, we celebrate an iconic New Yorker who taught us ‘what’s happening in our neck of the woods.’ I’m honored to deliver the Key to the City to ‘America’s weatherman’ — Al Roker.”

Over nearly 30 years on NBC’s “TODAY,” Roker has informed millions about more than just the weather, covering breaking news, the latest trends, and iconic events like the Olympics and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His engaging presence has made him a cherished figure in American households.

“I never imagined a kid from Queens would be receiving a Key to the City of New York,” said Al Roker. “This is really special. I love this city and grew up here with my dad working as a New York City bus driver in Brooklyn. I’m so very blessed and lucky.”

Born and raised in Queens, Roker began his career as a weather anchor in Syracuse before joining NBC’s “TODAY.”

He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including 14 Emmy Awards. As the CEO and founder of Al Roker Entertainment, Roker continues to captivate audiences with innovative television programs, social media and digital content, and entertainment. Additionally, he has authored several best-selling books on topics ranging from fatherhood and family to cookbooks and murder mysteries.

The tradition of awarding the Key to the City of New York dates back to 1702, when Mayor Phillip French bestowed it upon Viscount Edward Cornbury, governor of New York and New Jersey. Today, it symbolizes civic recognition and gratitude, reserved for individuals whose service to the public and common good reaches the highest level of achievement.

With this honor, Al Roker joins a distinguished group of individuals who have made significant contributions to society, solidifying his legacy as a beloved and influential figure in New York City and beyond.