The Daily Nightly began on May 31, 2005. As Brian wrote in his first post it aims to provide a narrative of the broadcast day and a window into the editorial process at NBC Nightly News. Brian weighs in every weekday and NBC News correspondents and producers post regularly.
Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.
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I was in New Orleans this morning when I received word that my sister, Mary Jane Esser, had died after a long and courageous struggle with breast cancer. She was a mother of five children and grandmother of four, and was a foster parent for infants in need. She was 60 years old.
I was with my sister before departing for New Orleans. I had planned to return to her bedside after my trip, but she slipped away this morning. While I very badly wanted to celebrate Mardi Gras with the people of New Orleans and broadcast live from there over the next two nights, it is imperative now that I be with my family during this time. Campbell Brown has graciously agreed to fill in for me, and I'm so very grateful for that.
I'm also very grateful for the years I had with my sister, and for the expressions of condolence I have already received from my NBC family. I know so many of our viewers have many similar experiences -- and I join millions in hoping for a cure in our lifetime.
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On tonight's broadcast
Brian--I once heard you speak about your sister during an interview with Tim Russert. You had a light in your eyes when you spoke of her, and it was obvious that you admired and loved her greatly. Cancer, as we know, is an equal opportunity illness, with little regard to the age, gender, or goodness of its victims. If life can be measured by the impact on others' lives, then your sister's life was extraordinary. I hope the light will always shine in your eyes when you remember your lives together.
D.B Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Mar 2, 2006 9:14:19 PM)
Brian,
Our condolences on the loss of your sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and you made the right choice to be with your family. Although we love your live broadcasts, family is what it's all about. Thanks for being such a great person first and reporter/anchor next. It sounds like your sister was a wonderful, caring person. Just remember she is watching over you now and is no longer suffering. With God's grace, I hope we find a cure for this cancer very soon.
Margaret Lyke, Bath, NY (Sent Mar 2, 2006 7:44:09 PM)
Oh, Brian, I have been wondering where you were and I just heard the terrible news from Campbell Brown on tonight's broadcast. I am so sorry for your loss -- please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Virginia White (Sent Mar 2, 2006 7:35:30 PM)
Dear Brian: I just lost my Big Sister on September 1, 2005, just 9 months after losing my Daddy and most definately feel deep sympathy for you and your family. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Every once in a while I feel a slight breeze where there should be none and know that my Daddy & Sister have stopped by to check on me. Remember that your Sister will always be with you. God Bless you and yours. Donna
Donna A. McChesney, Shell Knob, MO (Sent Mar 2, 2006 7:30:02 PM)
Brian, Mom & I watch you nightly here in Ottawa Canada, our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. I too hope there is a cure in my lifetime.
Lynn MacPherson
Lynn MacPherson Ottawa Canada (Sent Mar 2, 2006 7:18:06 PM)
Brian- Mom & I was you nightly here in Ottawa, Canada and want to let you know you & your family are in our prayers tonight. I too pray for a cure in my life time.
Lynn MacPherson, Ottawa Canada
Lynn MacPherson Ottawa Canada (Sent Mar 2, 2006 7:15:39 PM)
Dear Brian-
As my husband and I sit each evening and reconnect with the world and you, we were so sorry to hear about your sister tonight from Cambell. We are from Farifield, Connecticut and recently moved to GA. Each evening with you seems like a little piece of home to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. We will say a prayer for you and all your loved ones...and continue to pray for a cure. From your letter your sister sounds like an amazing woman.
The Walther Family, Cumming GA
Leighann Walther, Cumming, GA (Sent Mar 2, 2006 7:11:12 PM)
To the Williams and Esser Families,
Please accept my sincere condolences during
this very difficult time.
Mary Rogers,Indianapolis,Indiana (Sent Mar 2, 2006 7:07:21 PM)
Dear Brian,
My family (teenagers and husband) and I watch your nightly broadcast faithfully. We were so sorry to hear of your sister's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take some time for yourself and allow yourself to grieve. We will wait patiently for your return.
Cindy, N.Andover, MA (Sent Mar 2, 2006 7:07:00 PM)
Brian, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Mary Dudley
Mary Dudley, Rochester Hills, MI. (Sent Mar 2, 2006 7:06:54 PM)
Dear Brian,
I trust you read these messages and were overwhelmed by the love and support they send. You've obviously connected with your viewers on a personal level.
The Rasmussen family sends their condolences to your and yours in the loss of your sister.
Patty (Sent Mar 2, 2006 9:27:43 AM)
I am so sorry to hear of your sister's passing.
She must have been a great woman. Five children and a foster mother on top of that! Sounds like a woman whose love was multiplied over the years.
It's good to know that you were with her again before you last came to New Orleans. You gave us strength during times we felt forgotten. I only hope that these words, somehow, can give some strength to you.
There will be a time once more when you will think of her and find the sorrow gone. You'll think of her and smile, maybe even laugh, and those will be the times she's with you again even closer in your heart.
May God bless you and hold you and your family close as your sister starts her new life.
Martha Duryea, New Orleans, LA (Sent Mar 2, 2006 2:08:46 AM)
i am very sorry to hear about the loss of your sister.
our family sends our best wishes to you and your family.
joan hammersmith, mesa,arizona (Sent Mar 2, 2006 12:41:07 AM)
Brian I am sorry for your loss. Remember a loved one is never really gone when they live in our memories and heart.
Pamela Richter (Sent Mar 1, 2006 10:08:55 PM)
Dear Brian,
We sometimes think of reporters and network anchors, such as yourself, Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings as super human. Yet you are human and have families too. I was looking forward to your reporting from New Orleans and was surprised to not see you. Then I learned of your of your sister's passing.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister. I do hope you and your family are finding comfort in each other during this time and celebrating your sister's life.
With deepest sympathies to you and your family,
Lisa Hatch (Sent Mar 1, 2006 9:07:25 PM)
Brian,
I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. Take your time being with your family - they are what matters. We'll be here when the time is right for you to return to the air.
Rebecca, Nashville, TN (Sent Mar 1, 2006 8:37:38 PM)
My husband and I just wanted to say that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time for you.
May God watch over you and all your family.
Robin McAuliffe, Summerville, SC (Sent Mar 1, 2006 7:16:28 PM)
Brian,
I am the oldest of 6 born to my parents. We used to laugh when a car would pull up next to ours at a traffic light when we were all packed into a station wagon. Invariably, the car next to us would visibly be counting to see how many of us there were.
One brother died in 1970. I can't express how much smaller our family felt with the loss of that one person.
The hole will seem immense. It will never go away. But your memories will keep her alive in your heart.
God Speed, Mary Jane.
My prayers for you and your family.
Linda
Linda M. Johnson, Urbana, OH (Sent Mar 1, 2006 6:39:42 PM)
Dear Brian,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope that you and your family may find some comfort in the thoughts and prayers of those you have touched.
Sylvia Cardwell, Cleveland, OH (Sent Mar 1, 2006 6:12:27 PM)
BRIAN& FAMILY & FRIENDS
GOD NEEDED ANOTHER ANGEL, NOW HE HAS ONE.
YVETTE
YVETTE HABES MORRIS, MANITOBA, CANADA (Sent Mar 1, 2006 3:12:37 PM)
Brian,
As a former TV reporter, I know how job and family obligations can tug you in many directions. But in my book, if it ever came down to a choice, family always won out.
For that reason, I am especially sorry to hear of your sister's passing and I share your hope for a cure for cancer in our lifetime. My mother is a breast-cancer survivor and for that I am thankful. But a cure would bring such peace to so many families that have felt this pain.
God speed.
Stu Nicholson, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Mar 1, 2006 1:50:37 PM)
Brian - my sympathies on the loss of your sister. I lost my sister years ago and I can relate to you.
Judith Bott, Byron Center, MI
Judith A. Bott, Byron Center, Michigan 49315 (Sent Mar 1, 2006 11:34:11 AM)
Dear Brian,
My prayers are with you and your family at this time. I had the honor of meeting Mary Jane at her daughters wedding this pass November with whom I'm very good friends with. I admired her extraordinary courage & presence, it was incredible. She had great stride in preparing her family with strenght during this time. God bless her......
Adrienne Broussard (Sent Mar 1, 2006 10:28:09 AM)
Brian - I am so very sorry to hear about your sister. October 1, 2004 we lost my sister-in-law to breast cancer. Everyone is this great world of ours is touched by cancer at one time or the other through family or friends. This is a very sad fact of life. This sad time in your life will get better with time, but the saddness will never go away. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. MAY GOD BLESS ALL.
Karen Rogers, Guntersville, Alabama (Sent Mar 1, 2006 9:06:11 AM)
Brian - I am sorry to hear about your sister. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts.
Cat Bell, Mililani Hawaii (Sent Mar 1, 2006 1:44:35 AM)
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