Al Roker’s Daughter Leila Announces Engagement, But His Unusual Reaction Has Fans Talking—Is He Holding Back His Approval?
A Special Announcement from Leila Roker
Exciting news for the Roker family—Al Roker’s daughter, Leila Roker, is officially engaged!
The freelance journalist shared the joyful update on Instagram on Sunday, March 2, posting a collection of photos from the romantic proposal, which took place at a restaurant in Venice, Italy.
“Eight years ago, I moved to Paris 🇫🇷. Seven years ago, I met my person and best friend 💖. And just two days ago, that person took me on the most incredible surprise trip to Venice 🇮🇹 to ask me to spend the rest of our lives together 💍💕💕,” the 26-year-old wrote in her heartfelt caption.
Among the photos, Leila proudly showed off her pear-shaped diamond engagement ring, capturing the excitement of the moment.
A Warm Welcome from Deborah Roberts
Leila’s mother, ABC News journalist Deborah Roberts, was quick to share her enthusiasm, leaving a heartfelt comment under her daughter’s post.
“We could not be happier and more joyful!!!! Welcome to the family, Sylvain! Now let’s plan a wedding!” she wrote, expressing her excitement for the couple’s next chapter.
Al Roker’s Reserved Response Raises Eyebrows
Several hours later, Leila’s father, Today Show host Al Roker, addressed the engagement on his own Instagram page. Sharing several of the same photos, he wrote:
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“Well, it is now official. @gricourt.thegreat has proposed to my little girl, @leilaroker, in the romantic city of Venice. We could not be happier and look forward to planning for these two wonderful young folks coming together.”
While his message was supportive, some fans couldn’t help but notice its more formal tone compared to Deborah’s excited response. Was Al simply being reserved, or is he feeling a bit hesitant about his daughter’s big step?
A Love-Filled Message from the Groom-to-Be
Meanwhile, Leila’s fiancé, Sylvain Gricourt, also took to Instagram to share his joy.
“Just two days ago, I put a ring on her finger, and that’s the best thing I did in the last 33 years 💍❤️,” he wrote.
He added a romantic note in both French and English:
“@leilaroker, qu’est-ce que tu dis de passer les 33 prochaines ensemble, et toutes celles d’après?”
Translated, it means: “What do you say about spending the next 33 years together, and all the ones after that?”
A Close-Knit Family Celebration
Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, and their youngest son, Nick, 22, recently spent time in France visiting Leila and her then-boyfriend, sharing special holiday moments together.
Al has previously expressed how much he cherishes time with his children. While covering the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024, he told PEOPLE that getting to spend extra time with Leila was the “biggest treat” of the event.
“When you raise your kids, it’s nice to see them grow up and be accomplished,” he said. “My oldest [Courtney] is a chef and just had a baby, and our youngest [Nick] is in college. They’re good kids. Having [Leila here in Paris] is just the frosting on top.”
More Exciting Updates to Come! As Leila and Sylvain begin planning their wedding, fans will be eager to see how the Roker family prepares for the big day. Stay tuned for more updates on this joyous occasion!
