Pictured: (l-r) Al Roker, Meredith Vieira and Willard Scott. (NBC)
After 65 years at NBC, Willard Scott announced his retirement on the "Today" show Friday morning. The broadcast veteran had a presence on the NBC show since he semi-retired in 1996.
Al Roker replaced the weatherman. He tweeted, "He is literally my second dad. I love that man."
The genial 81-year-old Scott delivered weather forecasts until Al Roker took over that role. In recent years, he's appeared once or twice a week to mark the birthdays of viewers who had reached 100 years old or beyond. He began working at NBC as a 16-year-old page in the network's Washington bureau.
The show's anchors on Friday took note of a memorable Scott moment. He was stationed on the street during President George H.W. Bush's inaugural parade in 1989, when the new first lady, Barbara Bush, peeled away from the route to give him a kiss.
"America's first family chose to single out America's weatherman and I remember smiling from ear to ear at that moment for Willard," said "Today" anchor Matt Lauer.
He will be honored Dec. 15 during his final appearance.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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