America’s beloved weatherman, 70, who’s been on the NBC show since 1996, addressed his inevitable retirement just days after Kotb, 60, announced her departure after 26 years. “You know when you know,” Roker told People at the first Food & Wine Classic in Charleston.

The longtime weatherman tells PEOPLE about his own future on television at the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston

Her exit, planned for early next year, is a seismic shift for NBC and opens up a pair of morning TV’s most coveted anchor chairs.

Al Roker is honoring Hoda Kotb after she announced her departure from the Today show. “It’s taken a little time to process, but I feel nothing but happiness for my dear friend, @hodakotb,” Roker, 70,

Al Roker is weighing in on the departure of fellow anchor Hoda Kotb from Today. He told People Will I miss her day to day? Sure. But I'm just so thrilled for her that I can't possibly feel any sadness.

Hoda Kotb brought fans and colleagues alike to tears when she announced earlier this week that she is leaving Today after more than five years as co-anchor of the morning show. “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60,

Al Roker has nothing but love for his long-time co-worker Hoda Kotb. On Sept. 26, Kotb, 60, announced her departure from the Today show to focus on her family. While speaking with PEOPLE, Roker, 70, said his fellow anchor's exit is bittersweet.