Television

Carson Daly Returns To Today Show, Opens Up About His Stepfather's Death

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By Dianne Gebauer

Just weeks after the sudden death of his mother, the television personality is mourning another loss.

Carson Daly returned to the Today show on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, where he honored the memory of his stepfather, Richard Caruso, who passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 24. "It's been a crazy month, it's just been really, really hard," he began (via Entertainment Tonight). As Daly explained, Caruso had long been a huge part of his life. After losing his biological father when he was 5-years-old, Daly's mother, Pattie, remarried when he was eight years old.

"He took us in. He's my role model, my mentor. He was an incredible guy. Old school....He led by example, not by words," the host of The Voice continued. "He taught me so much about life and really the man that I am. I'm grateful that I had 85 years with him. He was an incredible person and he will he missed."

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Daly's mother died suddenly of a heart attack in September 2017. "It's hard to grasp that considering that they were both healthy in June," he shared on Today. "But the enormity of this, the totality of the loss so soon, is still a struggle." As the 44-year-old anchor continued, "I realize the more pain I feel losing my parents is a testament to how much they impacted on my life, and they clearly equipped me with the tools to handle it, because they're incredible parents, and I hope to pass that down."

Daly initially took to Instagram to pay tribute to his stepdad on Wednesday, Oct. 25. "Pops passed away today with absolute dignity & pride. The greatest man we ever knew. Our hero," the former MTV VJ wrote. "He exemplified great faith, loyalty to family & hard work. He provided us all with so much. We're grateful. His legacy lives on in all of us & anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him."

"He's reunited with mom now. Our faith remains strong," Daly concluded. "Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers."

Our thoughts are with Daly and his loved ones during this difficult time.

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