Today host Savannah Guthrie is standing by NBC anchor Richard Engel as he faces one of the hardest moments of his life. Richard recently shared the devastating news of losing his 6-year-old son, Henry, who battled Rett syndrome. Henry passed away on August 9, and the outpouring of support from colleagues and fans has been immense.

Words of Comfort from Savannah Guthrie

Savannah, 50, took to Instagram on August 18 to express her heartfelt condolences to Richard and his wife, Mary Forrest. In her post, she beautifully articulated the admiration she has for their unwavering dedication to Henry. "Dearest Richard and Mary, you were amazing warriors for Henry—pouring your love and care into him and fighting for him every day with everything you’ve got," Savannah wrote. Her words capture the essence of what it means to be a parent, filled with love, adoration, and devotion. "You’re my heroes," she concluded, showing the deep respect she holds for them.

richard engel son henry died — Courtesy of Richard Engel/Instagram

A Tribute in Photos

Savannah shared a collection of photos that showcased the love and bond between Richard, Mary, and their son Henry. In the final photo of the tribute, Savannah herself is seen holding Henry, adding a personal touch to her message. "My dear Henry, you will be missed," her caption continued. "I will always remember the twinkle in your eye. We will keep fighting for you." These words reflect not only her connection to Henry but also her commitment to continuing the fight for awareness and research for Rett syndrome.

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Raising Awareness and Support

In her post, Savannah included a link to donate to the Texas Children’s Hospital, emphasizing the importance of supporting research and treatment for Rett syndrome. Henry was diagnosed with this rare genetic neurological disorder as an infant after undergoing genetic testing. Since his diagnosis, Richard has been vocal about Henry's journey, sharing updates through heartfelt essays on Today. In one touching piece from March 2019, Richard marveled at Henry saying "Dada" for the first time. A few months later, he welcomed another son, Theo, adding joy to their family. However, in May 2022, Richard revealed on Twitter that Henry's health had taken a turn for the worse, as his condition progressed to include dystonia, leading to uncontrolled shaking and stiffness.

Despite the challenges, Richard and Mary remained steadfast in their care for Henry. They ensured he received all the love and support possible, even during his six-week hospital stay. Henry's return home brought some relief, where he could be surrounded by the love of his family, especially from his little brother, Theo.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

On August 18, Richard announced Henry's passing in a poignant statement on Twitter. "Our beloved son Henry passed away," the statement read. "He had the softest blue eyes, an easy smile, and a contagious giggle. We always surrounded him with love, and he returned it, and so much more." The words are a testament to the profound impact Henry had on his parents' lives and the lives of those who knew him.

Richard and Mary have received an overwhelming amount of support from colleagues like Savannah and other NBC family members. Journalist Geraldo Rivera expressed his condolences, saying, "Dear Richard and Mary, my wife, Erica, and I join those affected by your cruel loss. We send you our deepest condolences. Your description of your boy is heart-wrenching to every parent who reads it. We send you our love and warmest wishes." These messages of support highlight the strength of the community around Richard and Mary during this difficult time.