Al Roker honored the life and legacy of his brother-in-law, Jackie Bryant, in a heartfelt post shared on his Instagram page.
The TODAY weatherman announced the death of his wife Deborah Roberts’ brother in an Instagram post that expressed deep sorrow, while also celebrating his life.
Bryant was 82.
“The patriarch of @debrobertsabc family, Mr. Jackie Bryant passed away, leaving a brokenhearted but grateful family for his guidance, wisdom, humor and gravitas,” he captioned the post.
Bryant was an Air Force veteran from Perry, Georgia, who also worked as a substitute teacher and advocate for children of color, according to Al.
“He would substitute teach to help kids of color get in the right path. He was a calming voice and a big influence in our Nick,” Al continued, referring to his son Nicholas Roker. “I know he will he missed, but more importantly, he will not be forgotten.”
Deborah, co-anchor of 20/20 and longtime ABC News correspondent, also honored her brother in a post shared to her own Instagram page, where she described her brother as the family’s patriarch.
“A mighty oak has fallen in my family. My beloved older brother, Jackie, one of the brightest lights in my life, has left us. Our hearts are collectively broken and hurting today in ways we cannot express,” she wrote.
In her tribute to her late brother, Deborah called him a “pillar of goodness and strength after the loss of our parents.”
“He was a guiding force in so many ways. The eldest child who regaled us with his inspiring stories, straight talk and his new Cadillacs. The voice of calm amidst a family squabble,” she continued. “The one to insist on a family reunion when too much time had passed. That unexpected phone call to check on me and offer words of wisdom and encouragement about parenting a son with special needs. Oh, how he enjoyed hearing about family.”
Bryant was also husband “a proud father, brother, son and friend,” Deborah wrote, adding that his military service brought “a deep and lasting meaning to his life.” Just like Al, she touched on his substitute teaching, writing that he told her, “The young, black boys needed a positive role model.”
“What a loss for us. But what a life of purpose and example. We miss you so much dear, Jackie. And we grieve with Jacqueline, Vicky, Pamela and Doris,” Deborah added, in part. “But the unforgettable memories of your life and legacy fill our hearts. Rest in peace my dear brother. And enjoy your reunion with mom.”
Support for Al and Deborah poured into their posts, with many offering words of comfort.
“He’s going to give so many angel kisses to that sweet grand baby of yours coming. Bless this man and his service to us all,” one user wrote in response to Al’s post.
