Yahoo Lifestyle Al Roker's Wife Deborah Roberts Announces Tragic Family Loss
Deborah Roberts, Al Roker's wife and ABC News 20/20 co-anchor, is mourning a major family loss this week.
On Thursday, March 7, the Good Morning America journalist took to Instagram with a series of family photos to reveal that her brother, Jackie Bryant, died. According to Today, he was 82.
"A mighty oak has fallen in my family," she wrote, calling Jackie "one of the brightest lights in my life."
"Our hearts are collectively broken and hurting today in ways we cannot express," she continued, declaring her brother the "family patriarch"—"A pillar of goodness and strength after the loss of our parents."
Roberts also reflected on her brother's military service, where he reached the rank of master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force—a role that "brought a deep and lasting meaning to his life."
"Master Sgt. Jackie Bryant wore his military identity with deep, unfettered pride long after his retirement," she wrote, pointing to "his ever present baseball caps" in the photos she shared as evidence. "Honor and service defined his life."
"What a loss for us," she mourned. "But what a life of purpose and example. We miss you so much dear, Jackie...Rest in peace my dear brother."
Roker also took to the social media platform in tribute to his late brother-in-law, describing the "brokenhearted but grateful family" he left behind.
"He was a calming voice and a big influence in our Nick," he added, referring to the couple's 22-year-old son. "I know he will [be] missed, but more importantly, he will not be forgotten."
