Carson Daly's Mom Pattie Daly Caruso Dies at 73

Today co-host released a statement confirming his mother's death

By Samantha Schnurr Sep 18, 2017 12:40 PMTags
Carson Daly, Pattie Daly CarusoDan MacMedan/WireImage

Carson Daly has lost a special person in his life. 

The Today co-host's mother, Pattie Daly Caruso, died suddenly on Sunday at home in Palm Desert, Calif. As a family spokesperson told The Desert Sun, Caruso suffered a heart attack in the early morning. 

Daly's colleagues announced the sad news on-air on Monday. As Savannah Guthrie began, "We're sorry to start this hour with some sad news. Our thoughts and our prayers are going out to Carson and his family over the sudden passing of his mom, Pattie." 

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"We spoke to him and he wanted to share this message with all of you," Matt Lauer continued. "He says, 'It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, wife and grandmother, Pattie Daly Caruso. She passed away peacefully on Sunday. Kiki, as she was known to her grandchildren and many others, touched so many lives with her kindness, her giant spirit and her love of life. She will be terribly missed by her family and the world, but her spark will shine for eternity.'"

"We want to just say, Carson, we are so sorry," the anchor added. "Our thoughts are with you and your family."

"What a devoted and loving son Carson is," Guthrie commented. "And Pattie was just a force." 

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Daly's wife Siri Daly also spoke out publicly about the family's loss. "Heartbroken. My O'Mo, as I called her ('other mother'), was a vibrant force in my life. I feel her presence today and will forever. Carson and I appreciate your love and support. (*I must note, a post went up on my blog today that was previously scheduled, which is why there is no mention of our loss.)"

Like her son, the North Carolina native spent 25 years interviewing public figures on her local television show, Valley Views. "She was one of the most vivacious people I knew," her friend Judy Vossler told The Desert Sun of the breast cancer survivor. "She loved, loved, loved her family. She loved her interviewing and loved helping her charities."

She is survived by her son Carson, daughter Quinn Daly, husband Richard Caruso and five grandchildren. 

(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)