Widow Donates Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in Memory of Late Husband ‘He Wanted to Spread Joy’
For Judy Russ, this Christmas season carries a deeper meaning — one rooted in love, loss, and legacy.
The New York widow has donated her family’s 75-foot-tall Norway spruce to become this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, fulfilling a dream she once shared with her late husband, Dan Russ, who passed away five years ago at just 32.
“It’s so special that my family’s tree gets to be America’s — if not the world’s — Christmas tree,” Judy told NBC’s Today show. “As my husband has passed away, I know he would have loved to have been here for this moment.”
A Dream Years in the Making
The massive spruce — planted by Dan’s great-grandparents nearly 75 years ago — once stood proudly outside the Russ family’s home in East Greenbush, New York. On November 8, that same tree began its incredible journey to Midtown Manhattan, where it now stands tall in the heart of Rockefeller Center, a shining symbol of love and remembrance.
Judy explained that she and Dan had always joked that their tree was “big enough for Rockefeller Center.” After Dan’s passing, the thought of making that dream come true became more meaningful than ever.
Her 7-year-old son, Liam, also shares that excitement.
“I’m excited that the whole world can see it,” he said with a proud smile.
How a Family’s Tree Became a National Symbol
The idea came to life last Christmas, when Judy and Liam visited Rockefeller Center to see the world-famous tree. They couldn’t help but think of their own giant spruce back home — the one Dan had once admired so much.
Determined to honor his memory, Judy reached out to a family friend who had a connection to the Rockefeller Center tree team. Within weeks, she received a call from Erik Pauze, the head gardener who hand-selects each year’s iconic tree.
“When he said it was really happening, I thought I was hallucinating,” Judy joked. “I told Liam, ‘We need to go back because there’s no way this is real!’”
Soon, the spruce that Liam once climbed as a little boy was being prepared to shine in front of millions — adorned with 50,000 sparkling LED lights and topped with a magnificent Swarovski star.
A Light That Honors Love and Hope
The tree’s official arrival in New York on November 8 drew crowds of onlookers — but for Judy and Liam, it was deeply personal. They’ll return to Rockefeller Center for the official tree-lighting ceremony on December 3, where Judy says she expects to be overwhelmed with emotion.
“I cry at home every year when the tree is lit, so I’ll probably be inconsolable that day,” she shared. “But it’s going to be beautiful.”
Every light that twinkles on this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will serve as a tribute to her husband — a man who believed in joy, kindness, and togetherness.
“Spread joy, spread cheer, love one another,” Judy said softly. “Think of our family, think of my husband, think of us. We’re just happy to share it with everybody.”
A Family’s Tree That Now Belongs to the World
What began as one family’s backyard spruce has now become a beacon of hope and holiday spirit for millions across the globe. Through this touching gesture, Judy Russ has not only honored her late husband’s memory — she has given the world a gift of love that will shine bright throughout the season.
As Judy said best, “It’s so special that our family’s tree gets to be the world’s tree.”
