Today's Sheinelle Jones Praises Al Roker's Work Ethic at 70: 'That Man Works His Hiney Off' (Exclusive)

"If anyone thinks that he just gets up there and just kind of phones it in, they couldn't be further from the truth," Jones told PEOPLE of her 'Today' show colleague Roker

TODAY -- Pictured: Sheinelle Jones and Al Roker on Thursday, January 26, 2023
(L-R) Sheinelle Jones and Al Roker on TODAY on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Photo:

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Al Roker's work ethic is like no other!

Amid Roker's milestone 70th birthday festivities during the Aug. 20 episode of Today, his colleague Sheinelle Jones spoke highly of the famed weatherman while in conversation with PEOPLE.

"I would say most of the anchors here on the Today show, they have a good time and they're fun and they're smiling because they've done the work. You know what I mean?" Jones, 46, shared before speaking about Roker's own efforts. "He knows the forecast in and out. He knows the weather patterns. He also knows good television. He also has prepped for his interviews. So when he sits down, he's able to have a good time and he's able to be warm because he's prepared."

Jones continued, "So if anyone thinks that he just gets up there and just kind of phones it in, they couldn't be further from the truth. That man works his hiney off."

But Roker's efforts extend past Studio 1A, Jones explained.

"It's not just here. You see him in commercials, you see him in movies, you see him in cartoons," she said. "I don't know when he sleeps."

Sheinelle Jones, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker on Tuesday, July 18, 2023
(L-R) Sheinelle Jones, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker on TODAY on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

So, what has Jones learned from observing Roker over the years?

"I think what I have learned from Al is that he never loses sight of where he started," she said. "When he got the key to the city [on his 70th birthday], he didn't just take the key and say, 'Oh, hey, thank you so much,' to the mayor of New York City. He reminded us that his father drove a city bus in New York City."

Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones visit the SiriusXM Studios on October 29, 2019 in New York City.
(L-R) Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones visit the SiriusXM Studios on October 29, 2019 in New York City.

Noam Galai/Getty

"I think that is part of what makes him [and] his journey so special because he recognizes how far he's been able to make it and not on his own," she continued of her Off The Rails co-host. "He always thanks the team. Today, we gave him a special behind-the-scenes toast, and the first people he thanked were the crew. So, it's one of those things where that is why he has the room, right?"

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The Wild Child host added, "He can be in the fanciest of rooms, in the White House, literally, and he can also be with the guys driving buses in the city. You know what I mean? Al's just a guy's guy and he doesn't suffer fools. And so, I think if I've learned anything from him, I think you can enjoy the ride, but you have to do the work. And, you have to be a good person."

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