Peter Alexander, Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, Savannah Guthrie, Carson Daly, Laura Jarrett and Willie Geist are seen at the NBC “Today” Show at Rockefeller Plaza on January 10, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
A Farewell That Put Family First
On air, Alexander made clear that his daughters were central to his decision. As Today reported, he told viewers, “I’ve been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months. More than 200 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years.”
He then explained exactly why that had become too much to ignore. “So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me…I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives,” he said.
He was talking about Ava and Emma Alexander, his daughters with WJLA anchor Alison Starling.
During the farewell, his colleagues spoke up. Laura Jarrett expressed the team’s deep affection for him and noted how much they would miss his presence. She also praised him as both a brilliant journalist and a man of high character.
Jarrett even specifically highlighted his role as a parent, telling him that while he has a long career, he only gets one chance to raise his daughters.
Alexander also talked about what NBC had meant to him during those years. “It’s hard to believe, but I have been part of the NBC family for longer than I’ve had my own family,” he said.
