Man Who Donated Tree to Honor Late Wife Doing 'OK' After Stroke, But Couldn't Attend Rockefeller Center Ceremony

Even though he couldn't be there in person, the man responsible for this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was still able to watch the tree lighting ceremony.

On Dec. 4, thousands gathered at the annual event in New York City. Unfortunately, Earl Albert — who, following his wife's death, donated the Norway spruce that they planted as newlyweds — wasn't able to attend as he was still receiving care following a recent stroke, family members said on an episode of Today that aired Thursday, Dec. 5.

His daughter-in-law told the outlet that Earl is "doing OK" and had a "little watch party" in his room.

"He had his Santa hat on and my son FaceTimed with him, so he was able to sort of be here," added Shawn Albert.

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Meanwhile, Michael Albert, Earl's son, said that he was overwhelmed with joy to get to witness the tree lighting in person.

"It was a tribute to my mother's life. Just the giving back and the loving nature of her," he added. "It was like our way to kind of give to the world."

Related: Days After His Wife's Death, an 'Angel' Knocked. Now Tree They Planted as Newlyweds Is in Rockefeller Center

After Earl's stroke, his family was initially hopeful that he would recover in time to attend the ceremony himself.

“We thank everyone for their well wishes and thoughtful messages," the family said in a previous statement to Today. "He is looking forward to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, and working hard to be able to attend in person."

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Earl and Leslie planted the 74-foot tree that currently stands at Rockefeller Center back in 1967. At the time, they had just gotten married and were settling into life at their new Massachusetts home, according to NBC affiliate WNBC.

In 2020, Leslie died — and two days later, Erik Pauze, the head gardener at Rockefeller Center, came across the tree while walking down the road. "I knew I had to knock on the door," he told the outlet.

As for the family, well, they took it as a sign.

"She loved everything surrounding Christmas, the tree, all of it," Shawn previously told WNBC.

Meanwhile Earl previously said that donating the tree was “probably one of the greatest honors of my life."

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