‘Today’ show anchor breaks down in tears after Saints’ Drew Brees donates $5M to coronavirus relief

NBC "Today" show anchor Hoda Kotb is receiving support for the emotions she shared while interviewing New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees Friday morning.

BuzzFeed reported Brees and his wife, Brittany Brees, donated $5 million to the state of Louisiana for coronavirus relief.

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“After considerable research and conversations with local organizations, we will be mobilizing our partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank, Ochsner Health Systems, Walk-Ons, Jimmy Johns, Smalls Sliders and Waitr to prepare and deliver over 10,000 meals per day throughout Louisiana for as long as it takes to children on meal programs, seniors, and families in need,” Brees said on Instagram Thursday. “Let’s all do our part, maintain hope, and get through this together.”

Kotb has deep ties to New Orleans. She was a news anchor and reporter in the city in the 1990s and is a fan of the Saints and Brees. She spoke with him about his generosity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic Friday morning and became overwhelmed with emotion as she wrapped the interview.

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“I think a lot of things are contagious, including generosity,” Kotb said. “Our hope is because you let us know you made this big, generous donation, I think other people will look and say, ‘Look, maybe we can help out, too.’ Drew, we love ya!” Kotb said before attempting to toss to break. She then started to tear up and cry.

“Sorry,” she said, shuffling papers at the anchor desk.

Her friend and co-worker, Savannah Guthrie, stepped in to take over the segment and offered words of sympathy.

“Hoda, I know it's a lot,” Guthrie said. "Hoda, I'm so sorry, hon. Take a moment. It's a lot. I know where your heart is, my dear, I do.”

Viewers offered support for Kotb after the live segment aired, including Kotb’s “Hoda & Jenna” co-host, Jenna Bush Hager.