As the global pandemic continues to spread across the United States, Americans across the country are feeling anxiety and concern as they largely are remaining in their homes in an attempt to slow the spread of the deadly virus.
As a result, many Americans could relate when Today anchor Hoda Kotb broke down while interviewing New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees about his $5 million donation to help curb food shortages in New Orleans at a time when grocery stores are left bare.
Kotb lived in New Orleans for years, where she anchored for the local station WWL in the 90s, so the city—which is currently facing a deeply concerning spike in cases—has a special place in her heart.
That heart was understandably on her sleeve when her segment with Brees ended.
Watch below.
We love you, Hoda. ❤️ https://t.co/rocZr8J4EE— TODAY (@TODAY)1585309785.0
Kotb said to Brees:
"I also think a lot of things are contagious, including generosity, so our hope is that because you let us know this big, generous donation, I think other people look and say, 'Maybe I can help out too.' Drew, we love ya."
Brees reciprocated the love before signing off and Kotb shuffled her papers before beginning to weep, repeatedly apologizing.
Co-host Savannah Guthrie:
"Oh, Hoda. I know. It's a lot. Hoda, I'm so sorry, hon...I know where your heart is, my dear, I do."
Others knew where her heart was too, and commended her for her empathy and emotional transparency.
Thank you for reminding us it’s okay to be human in the midst of this Hoda. https://t.co/grkxvS1Se5— Chris Witherspoon (@Chris Witherspoon)1585314201.0
Hope everyone has seen this moment. This is what covering this pandemic can do to a person. It wear you down. I fee… https://t.co/5ozf0s1epq— Matt Barnes (@Matt Barnes)1585316271.0
@TODAYshow Sending love your way Hoda. Don’t be sorry your emotion shows you are human and the love you have for o… https://t.co/smHUX9Y4fJ— sharon stratton (@sharon stratton)1585311488.0
My heart to those who must "keep it together" for the public including reporters & medical workers. To breakdown i… https://t.co/u0hi3YZu0X— LifeOfMamaSloth (@LifeOfMamaSloth)1585323623.0
Humanity, compassion, empathy..... ❤️🤲🙏 https://t.co/uaqbuT9KkC— Chris Fleming (@Chris Fleming)1585334177.0
This was beautiful!! https://t.co/kKOLtXA6kO— Randi Rousseau (@Randi Rousseau)1585313087.0
People easily related to Hoda in that moment.
The other night I was thinking about how it finally felt like we had things under control at home and then Beat Bug… https://t.co/ItPkq7Dxg5— Susan Hennessey (@Susan Hennessey)1585315420.0
It's such an emotional time talking the coronavirus as you can see from Hoda today. On my radio show last night I w… https://t.co/5HL8CCUNvW— (((DeanObeidallah))) (@(((DeanObeidallah))))1585316199.0
Love Hoda. Love her humanity. It makes a journalist better, not weaker. We're all crying while we work this week, H… https://t.co/JNPI4RVJOU— Brooke Preston (@Brooke Preston)1585326740.0
Hoda just did what so many of us in the news industry want to do right now. Patience is thin. Tempers are short. Em… https://t.co/HQYE0hoe6R— Chris Reece (@Chris Reece)1585336286.0
Resources for taking care of your mental health in the face of this pandemic can be found here.