Willard Scott officially retired on Tuesday after 65 years at NBC and 35 years at Today.
Scott and Al Roker, his successor as the NBC morning show’s weatherman, were broadcast remotely from Raphine, Virginia, as the Today anchors all said their farewells to Scott over a montage of his best clips.
“He’s in the marrow and the DNA of this show,” said Savannah Guthrie. “When I think of Willard Scott, I just think of joy.”
Matt Lauer talked about how warm, endearing and entertaining Scott is and said he “represents the tradition of this show.” He added, “Willard made it cool to age,” referencing Scott’s famous “Happy Birthday” greetings to the elderly.
Roker, who considers Scott his mentor and “second dad,” sat next to the 81-year-old broadcast veteran as Barbara Bush and others sent messages to Scott. Then the anchors in New York City revealed that a street near Rockefeller Center is now named “Willard Scott Way.”
Scott led the group in a rousing rendition of “Happy Trails” as he said goodbye to his beloved show.
