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,
So sorry to hear about your sister. I lost my younger sister to the same disease when she was 34. The 11th anniversary of her passing is coming up in a few weeks. I can tell you that, though the sadness never fully goes away, the darkness does lift. Take care of yourself.
Abe Rosenberg, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Mar 1, 2006 12:19:17 AM)
My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight, Brian. I lost both my parents to cancer. It's an insidious disease which seems to target the ones who will be missed the most. You won't remember this, but a few years ago a friend on your assignment desk was giving me and a few friends a tour at Fort Lee and you were kind enough to come out of your office and chat with us for a good period of time. You were unbelievably kind, open and offered supportive words to fellow journalists. That impressed me a lot. I was happy when you got Tom's job and I share your sorrows now. Best to you and your family.
Bob Richardson, Tucson, Arizona (Sent Feb 28, 2006 9:51:12 PM)
Dear Brian, May God Be With You And Your Family During These Very Difficult Times. You Bring A Human Touch To All The Stories That You Tell Us Every Single Night. Your Personal Connection With Your Viewers Is Evident By The Outpour Of Condolences On The Loss Of Your Sister. I Hope That Knowing That Many Of Us Feel Your Pain Brings You Some Solace.
Manny, New York (Sent Feb 28, 2006 9:37:08 PM)
Dear Brain,
My family and I have always admired your work and have the grestest admiration of you. It saddens us to hear of your loss. I lost a very dear close friend to ALS about a year ago, she was closer to me than my own sisters and I have to remind myself that she's in a better place and no longer suffering. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We're so sorry for you loss. Take care and know that you and your family have our deepest sympathy.
Maryann Kral, Carol Stream, Ill (Sent Feb 28, 2006 9:11:44 PM)
Brian - My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Hold tightly to one another and to the memories. As a breast cancer survivor I am grateful for every day The Lord blesses me with. Every day is precious and it is during times like these we know this the best.
Theresa Mack, Germantown, MD (Sent Feb 28, 2006 7:40:11 PM)
Brian, As others have said our thoughts and prayers are with. You have become a friend we visit with nightly.
Jay Jackson, Matthews, NC (Sent Feb 28, 2006 7:13:15 PM)
Brian,
My deepest sympathies in the loss of your sister. May the wonderful memories you have of her bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Anna B. Omaha, NE (Sent Feb 28, 2006 5:32:54 PM)
Brian, my prayers and thoughts are w/you and your family. Remembering the good times, helps to get you through the rough times. Having lost my own sister and my daughter, my heart only knows that in time, the healing will come.
Kathi P. Edsall, Watonga, OK (Sent Feb 28, 2006 5:17:25 PM)
Brian -You have been part of our family since you started. It's like an empty place at the dinner table. May I send my deepest condolences and sympathies to you and your whole family during this time. My grandfather lost 3 wives to breast cancer so I do understand your loss deeply.
Doug Melvin (Sent Feb 28, 2006 4:20:47 PM)
Brian,
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Nancy Thompson, Columbus, OH (Sent Feb 28, 2006 3:59:43 PM)
Brian
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the death of your sister.May this sad time be lightened by your wonderful memories of your sister
In sympathy
Martha Barrington
Martha Barrington Montreal Quebec Canada (Sent Feb 28, 2006 3:52:24 PM)
Brian, may I also add my family's sympathy for your loss. We welcome you into our home every evening for the news. We are deeply saddened by your loss. Like you, I am very close to my sister; she is like a mother to me since our mother suddenly passed away in 1972. How thoughtful of you to go to spend time with your grieving family at this time. We are looking forward to your return as anchor for the Nightly News. Be strong at this time.
Myron Shulman, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Feb 28, 2006 2:04:04 PM)
My mother also died of breast cancer at the age of 60. Remember your sister during the good times and may there be some comfort knowing that she is in a better place. My sincerest condolences go out to you and your family.
Robin Ingram, Washington Township, NJ (Sent Feb 28, 2006 1:13:45 PM)
Brian - May I add my support of sympathy and love to you and your family. You seem almost like family to me with the way you come into the living room each night. I turned 60 two weeks ago, and just celebrated my 4th full year as a breast cancer survivor. I have a very special place in my heart for others dealing with this illness. You and your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers, for comfort, peace and hope. Hold onto the knowledge that one day, where now there is a deep, gapping hole, all that will remain are beautiful memories. It takes time, but God is loving and can give us peace even in times like this.
Cheryl K, Kansas City MO (Sent Feb 28, 2006 11:41:46 AM)
May God Bless your family
Johnny from Hong Kong (Sent Feb 28, 2006 11:02:41 AM)
Brian, our deepest sympathy to you as you mourn the passing of your dear sister. We have lost our mothers to cancer as well and share the pain of your loss. Their courage to fight the battle against cancer inspires us to hope for a cure that won't take any more of our family members. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Darcy & Fred Searle, Durham, CT (Sent Feb 28, 2006 11:00:43 AM)
Dear Brian,
I extend my sincerest condolences to you and your family at this sad time. I was brought to tears at the announcement of your sister's passing, bringing back memories of losing my best friend 10 years ago to this dreaded disease. Your sister has been lifted up on eagles' wings, held in the palm of God's hands. Blessings to your entire family.
H. Austin, Pittsfield, MA (Sent Feb 28, 2006 10:41:36 AM)
Brian,
You have become so much a part of our family, our hearts are broken for you. Please accept our condolences on the loss of your sister and know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
The Wohners, North East, MD (Sent Feb 28, 2006 10:25:42 AM)
Dear Brian...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the loss of your dear sister...May time help ease the grief you are feeling now and replace it with fond memories and smiles...
Judy McCahill, Winthrop, MN (Sent Feb 28, 2006 10:11:19 AM)
Of course the right decision to be with family at this time and how good that you had some time with her before she passed on. It is hard to believe, but there will be a time when it won't hurt as acutely as it does today and she can be remembered in happy, good times without tears.
Melissa Davis (Sent Feb 28, 2006 9:42:28 AM)
Brian,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Debbie, Thousand Oaks, CA (Sent Feb 28, 2006 9:07:33 AM)
Brian: I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. I am struggling now with recurrent breast cancer and know a little of what your sister experienced.
Jane Waltmon (Sent Feb 28, 2006 8:46:03 AM)
Brian,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cynthia, Baltimore, Maryland (Sent Feb 28, 2006 8:07:43 AM)
Brian, Our condolences to you and your family at the
loss of a special person, friend and sister. She made a difference and set an example for us all.
God bless you and your family at this time.
R. Scott, old retired guy in Florida (Sent Feb 28, 2006 7:47:33 AM)
Brian
I wish to extend my most sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your sister. To all of us in the viewing public, you are the consummate professional, yet friendly face on the television every evening, keeping us informed of the day’s news. It’s easy for us to forget that you are also a husband, father, brother, and uncle. Yet, these are the most important things in life, even more so than the events on the news. So, please take this time to spend with your family, grieving, and giving comfort to those most important people in your life. The news and all of us, your audience, will be here when you're ready to come back. Know that the thoughts and prayers of many, many people are with you during this time.
James Jividen, Arlington, Texas (Sent Feb 28, 2006 7:37:25 AM)
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