Erin Andrews Breaks Down on ‘TODAY’ as Father Shares Heartfelt Struggles
UPDATE: Erin Andrews emotionally wiped away tears during her appearance on the TODAY Show as her father, Steve Andrews, recounted her harrowing experiences with stalkers, peeping Toms, and her battle with cervical cancer. The impactful moment unfolded on October 10, 2023, while Steve joined Erin, who is co-hosting with Jenna Bush Hager, to share a powerful video tribute.
In a heartfelt segment, Steve discussed Erin’s unwavering passion for sports, sparked during childhood while watching games with him, a dedicated fan of the Celtics. “She just looked at me and said, ‘Dad, that’s what I want to do,’” he recalled, as the emotional weight of their shared journey became evident.
The segment took a poignant turn as Steve addressed Erin’s traumatic experiences, including the notorious 2008 stalking incident involving Michael David Barrett, who recorded a nude video of her without consent. Steve’s protective instincts surfaced as he expressed his fears for Erin’s safety, offering his presence to ensure she felt secure.
As the discussion deepened, Steve shared the heart-stopping moment he received the call from Erin announcing her victory over cancer. Viewers watched as Erin struggled to hold back tears, highlighting the emotional toll these experiences have taken on her.
“Erin is such a fighter,” Steve stated. “In broadcasting, when you get knocked down, you gotta be able to get back up.”
He praised Erin for her resilience, stating, “You would think for the average person, bam, on your back, you’re done. And she just used that as motivation.” His pride was palpable as he spoke about becoming a grandfather to Erin’s son, Mack, born via surrogate in June 2023.
Returning to the studio, Jenna Bush Hager remarked that everyone was in tears, prompting Erin to reciprocate the praise for her father, describing him as “amazing.” She emphasized that her family has supported her through the toughest of times, allowing her to show vulnerability off-camera.
“When you are faced with certain things, you just have to put on the persona, but then you can fall apart when you’re off-camera,” Erin explained.
Steve concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Erin’s character, stating, “I hope that I have been as good a dad to her as she’s been a daughter to me.” The segment struck a chord with viewers, showcasing the emotional bond between father and daughter amidst adversity.
This touching moment aired on NBC’s TODAY Show at 10 AM ET, capturing the hearts of audiences nationwide. The story not only highlights the challenges Erin has faced but also serves as an inspiring testament to her strength and the support of her family. Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.
