Al Roker Says His Famous Catchphrase on the 'Today' Show Is an 'Homage' to This Family Member (Exclusive)
Al Roker tells PEOPLE his catchphrase — "Here's what's happening in your neck of the woods" — is a tribute to his grandfather, who often used those words
His repeated use of the phrase began as a practical move: "I've got to say the same thing, so that the local stations know when to cut away," Roker adds
Roker's wife, ABC News anchor Deborah Roberts, was also honored with an induction into the Silver Circle Honor Society — reserved only for those whose careers have spanned 25 years or moreAl Roker is opening up about the origins of his signature catchphrase.
The journalist and weatherman spoke to PEOPLE at the 46th Annual News Emmy Awards — where he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Honor! — about his catchphrase that's marked his Today show tenure: "Here's what's happening in your neck of the woods."
"My grandfather used to say that, yeah. So that was kind of an homage to him," Roker says.
His repeated use of the phrase began as a practical move. "I've got to say the same thing, so that the local stations know when to cut away," he adds.
As for career recognition he earned at the event, Roker describes the feeling as "very humbling," and attributed a portion of his success to talented individuals he's had the chance to work with along the way.
"I think it's more the cumulative effect of just being able to see, being able to witness history both in front of and behind the camera — to watch things, how things have changed," he says. "And so I'm very thrilled."
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Roker attended the event with his wife, Deborah Roberts, ABC News anchor who was also honored with an induction into the Silver Circle Honor Society — a recognition only bestowed on those whose careers span 25 years or more.
So, when she got the call that she had been nominated, Roberts was "really pleasantly surprised, and shocked and honored."
"I think, privately, I was not going to make a big deal of the fact that I've been in [this] more than 25 years," Roberts admits. "But you know what? It's a real journey, and it's an honor to be recognized for."
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