Al Roker suffered a huge loss during his own battle with the disease.

On Thursday, Al Roker delivered some devastating news to his audience while paying eloquent tribute to a major figure in his life.

Thom Bell, a renowned Philadelphia producer, arranger, and songwriter who was born in Jamaica and died at the age of 79, was honored on Instagram by the Today host following his stunning Twitter resignation announcement this week.

“Thom Bell, a legendary Philadelphia producer, went away at the age of 79,” Al wrote with a photo of Thom. “His music was the soundtrack of my life.”