Rosanna Scotto Cries Live on Air in Heartbreaking Tribute to Late Mother

New York morning viewers witnessed an emotional moment Tuesday when veteran “Good Day New York” anchor Rosanna Scotto, 68, broke down in tears during her first broadcast since the death of her mother, Marion Scotto. The on-air tears came just before the weather segment, when B.J. Thomas’ classic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” played in the studio—instantly reminding Scotto of her late parents. “Sorry, sorry. This song reminds me of my parents,” she said, wiping her eyes as co-anchor Dan Bowens and meteorologist Mike Woods offered support. Tuesday’s appearance marked Scotto’s return after a week-long hiatus following Marion Scotto’s passing on August 26 at age 90. In an Instagram tribute announcing the loss, the lifelong New Yorker praised her mother as the “heart of Fresco by Scotto,” the Midtown Manhattan restaurant the family opened more than 30 years ago. Scotto told viewers that—even in grief—her mother would have insisted she get back to work, joking, “Mom would kill me right now if she saw me crying on the air.” Scotto also thanked fans and high-profile friends—including Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Andy Cohen—whose calls and messages “carried her through” the past week. “I’m still reading every text,” she noted, adding that the family is planning a public celebration of life at Fresco by Scotto later this month. Marion Scotto, a Brooklyn native, helped mortgage the family home to fund the restaurant in 1993, transforming it into a power-lunch mainstay frequented by presidents, world leaders and celebrities. Despite the star-studded clientele, her daughter said Marion judged success by “whether people left feeling cared for—and well fed.” Tuesday’s raw on-air moment resonated across social media, where clips of Scotto’s tears quickly racked up thousands of views on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Media observers praised the anchor’s vulnerability, calling it a reminder that “newspeople are people first.” With funeral arrangements underway, Scotto vowed to honor her mother’s legacy of faith, family and hard work. “Your table will always be set in our hearts,” she said in her Instagram post—a sentiment she echoed on air before regaining her composure and continuing the show.