Al Roker’s wife Deborah Roberts says she has been left ‘hurting today in ways we cannot express’ following the death of a close family member.

The ABC anchor took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the passing of her ‘beloved’ older brother, Jackie, and share a moving tribute to her late relative.

Alongside several pictures of her brother throughout the years, Deborah wrote: ‘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 continued: ‘Jackie was our family patriarch. 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 captivated us with his inspiring stories, straight talk and his new Cadillacs.

‘The voice of calm amidst a family squabble. The one to insist on a family reunion when too much time had passed. Who often phoned 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.’

She reflected further on the nature of her brother as she added: ‘Family ties and legacy were everything to Jackie. He was a proud father, brother, son and friend.

‘But it was his military service which brought a deep and lasting meaning to his life. The US Air Force was a calling. A ticket out of small town, segregated Georgia and an opportunity to see the world and serve his country.

Al Roker ‘s wife Deborah Roberts says she has been left ‘hurting today in ways we cannot express’ following the death of a close family member

The ABC anchor took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the passing of her ‘beloved’ older brother, Jackie

‘Master Sgt. Jackie Bryant wore his military identity with unfettered pride long after his retirement… Honor and service defined his life.’

She shared a sweet example of her brother’s dedication to serving others as she continued: ‘Jackie even felt compelled to become a substitute teacher in an underserved school district in Columbus, OH a decade or so ago, because, he told me, “the young, black boys needed a positive role model.”‘

Deborah noted: ‘I could count on a visit from my big brother and his wife, Doris, each Fourth of July, the two outfitted from head to toe in Ohio State red and white. He beamed the year we dressed as a Top Gun squad for the annual boat parade, making an exception this one time for highlighting the Navy.’

Opening up about the family’s ongoing grief, she concluded: ‘What a loss for us. But what a life of purpose and example. We miss you so much already. And grieve with Jacqueline, Vicky, Pamela and Doris.

‘But the unforgettable memories of your full life and legacy fill our hearts. Rest in peace my dear brother. And enjoy your reunion with mom.’

Friends and fans alike were quick to share messages of condolences as one commented: ‘Deb, Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this news. Sending thoughts, prayers, hugs and love. May Jackie’s memory be eternal.’

Another wrote: ‘Sending you and your family love and condolences. This was such a wonderful tribute.’

‘What a beautiful tribute,’ one fan stated. ‘I am so very sorry for this great loss, Deborah. My prayers to you and your family.’

Alongside several pictures of her brother, Deborah wrote: ‘ A mighty oak has fallen in my family. My beloved older brother, Jackie, one of the brightest lights in my life, has left us’

She reflected further on the nature of her brother as she told fans: ‘It was his military service which brought a deep and lasting meaning to his life’

Friends and fans alike were quick to share messages of condolences to the anchor and her loved ones

The sad news came just days after the family publicly celebrated the engagement of Deborah and Al’s daughter Leila.

The bride-to-be, 26, had shared sweet photos from the romantic proposal with fiancé Sylvain Gricourt on social media last weekend.

‘Eight years ago, I moved to Paris, seven years ago I met my person and best friend, and two days ago, that person took me on the most amazing surprise trip to Venice to ask me to spend the rest of our lives together,’ she wrote next to the photo carousel.

Gricourt, 33, shared a similar post on his Instagram page writing, ‘Just two days ago I put a ring on her finger, and that’s the best thing I did in the last 33 years’ in English and again in French.

The groom-to-be seems to have taken his future wife to Venice under the guise of enjoying Carnevale di Venezia, which takes place each year prior to Lent.

Photos show the nervous boyfriend getting down on one knee after their dinner at a restaurant overlooking a canal.

He presented his future wife with a gorgeous teardrop diamond solitaire on a thin gold band, which was accepted with an excited ‘yes,’ and a kiss.’

The proposal was something the bride’s family was excited to share with their friends, after spending time with the happy couple over Christmas in December.

‘Well, it is now official. @gricort.thegreat has proposed to my little girl, @leilaroker in the romantic city of Venice,’ the Today weather anchor wrote. ‘We could not be happier, and look forward to planning for these two wonderful young folks coming together.’

‘We could not be happier and more joyful!!!! Welcome to the family Sylvain! Now let’s plan a wedding!’ wrote Leila’s mother, ABC news anchor Deborah Roberts, 66.