Hoda Kotb burst into tears sharing an emotional tribute in honor of her NBC colleague Richard Engel’s late 6-year-old son, Henry.
“We all send our love to Richard, to Mary and to Theo”, the co-host of the show “Today” said fridayreferring to the 48-year-old chief correspondent’s wife and toddler.
After sharing footage of Engel discussing his oldest child’s diagnosis of Rett syndrome, Kotb added: “So many people watching our show see Richard standing in a very dangerous place to do something.” cover, not knowing that he fought at home which is the greatest battle.”
Kotb, 58, also praised Mary Forrest, noting that the producer carried Henry “in a baby Bjorn all over the house… through a lot of his wife.”
When Kotb acknowledged the “outpouring” of support Engel received in the wake of his tragedy, her co-host Sheinelle Jones clarified that it came from “all over the world” and also “here” in their studio.
“We’re just putting our arms around his family,” said the 44-year-old Wild Child host.
While Jones has yet to send well wishes via social media, Kotb tweeted after Engel’s announcement Thursday that her heart “hurts.”[d]” for him.
As for Savannah Guthrie, the 50-year-old Emmy winner posted a throwback photo of Henry reaching for her face.
“Dear Henry, I will never forget your sweet spirit and the twinkle in your eye,” she said tweeted.
The former lawyer continued via Instagram, calling the parents of the little ones “great warriors.”
Guthrie wrote, “To me you are the personification of what it means to be a parent – to love, adore and delight your child, and blossom every ounce of your being. You are my heroes .”