Al Roker and his family are grieving the loss of their beloved dog, Pepper. The Today show host shared the heartbreaking news on June 11th through an emotional Instagram post. Pepper, a sweet little girl who had been a part of the family for twelve years, passed away. Al Roker expressed his profound sadness and reflected on the impact Pepper had on their lives.
“Twelve years ago, this sweet little girl named Pepper changed our lives,” Roker wrote. “Yesterday, we had to say goodbye. While our hearts are heavy, they are also fuller because of all the love she bestowed on everyone who got to meet her.”
Pepper’s passing has deeply affected the Roker family, and Al Roker did not provide any further details about the circumstances of her death. According to an article by The Today Show, Pepper was adopted in 2012 from a rescue facility in Pennsylvania. Al frequently shared pictures and stories of Pepper on his Instagram account. Deborah Roberts, Al’s wife and an ABC News Reporter, also took to Instagram to remember Pepper, posting heartfelt remembrance alongside pictures of the cherished family pet.
Roberts shared, “She arrived on my birthday. Wasn’t even supposed to be ours. The rescue coordinator had promised the perfect pup for us. A beautiful mop-looking mutt who would be gentle with kids.” Recalling their first encounter, she added, “Nick wasn’t fond of dogs. But this 8-week-old little black and white ball of fur brought along for the ride jumped into Nick’s lap and stole the show.”
For 12 years, Pepper continued to bring joy to the Roker family, becoming a quiet and loving companion. Roberts reminisced about funny moments, like when Pepper decided to leave a surprise under the Christmas tree during the joyful chaos of gift unwrapping. Pepper’s unconditional love touched the entire family, and she became Roberts’ constant companion, always by her side.
Roberts marveled at Pepper’s ability to bring happiness without asking for anything in return. Pepper won over the hearts of friends and relatives, even those who were not dog lovers. She was a warm and delightful companion, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Today, the Roker family wakes up to a world without Pepper, feeling the emptiness of a quiet house and the absence of her wagging tail. However, the memories of the beautiful moments they shared with Pepper will forever warm their hearts.
In May, Al Roker posted a picture of Pepper on Instagram, mentioning her recent surgery for a health scare. Despite the setback, Pepper was on the mend and receiving excellent care. Al’s post conveyed his love and care for Pepper, reassuring her that she was welcome to sleep on their bed as much as she wanted. Now, they must bid farewell to their beloved Pepper and allow her to rest in peace.
“Rest In Peace, sweet Pepper.”
