Minyvonne Burke
- NBC News
Willard Scott, who predicted the weather for our sister network NBC News's 'Today' show
for more than three decades
(and spent 65 years at the company), has died at 87, Al Rocker reported in a publication on Saturday. from Instagram.
"We lost a dear member of our family @todayshow this morning. Willard Scott passed away peacefully at the age of 87 surrounded by family, including his daughters Sally and Mary and his lovely wife, Paris," Roker wrote in a message accompanied by a series of poignant photos of Scott and him.
Roker called Scott his "second father" and said his generosity helped him get his career to where it is today.
Willard Scott, the historic weather news anchor on NBC News' 'Today' show, in a file image.NBC News
"Willard was a man of his time, the best broadcaster. There will never be anyone like him,"
concluded Roker.
Born on March 7, 1934, in Alexandria, Virginia, Scott joined the 'Today' show in 1980 and became famous for his customary happy birthday message to viewers turning 100 years old.
He began his career at NBC in the 'Page Program', a learning and development program that provides exposure to the media industry.
He also worked at the affiliate station in Washington DC in 1950, according to 'Today'.
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Scott brought his outgoing personality to television, making it a personal brand
.
On one occasion, she dressed up as Carmen Miranda
, the famous Brazilian singer, to give the weather forecast.
In a 1987 interview with
The New York Times
, the presenter defended his controversial imitation of the singer-songwriter of 'Chica chica Boom Chica'.
“People say I was a buffoon for doing it.
Well, all my life I've been a buffoon.
That is my act ”, he affirmed.
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Scott partially retired in 1996 and Al Roker replaced him on the 'Today' show, although he occasionally replaced him.
After 35 years as a weathercaster on that show, he retired permanently in 2015. However, in 2019 he made a surprise appearance to celebrate Roker's 65th birthday.
Former President
Ronald Reagan presented him with the Private Sector Award for Outstanding Public Service in 1985.
He is survived by his two children and his wife, Paris Keena, whom he married in 2014 following the death of his previous wife, Mary Dwyer Scott.