Rosanna Scotto, a longtime anchor for "Good Day New York," became visibly emotional on air Tuesday morning while discussing the recent death of her mother, Marion Scotto. Scotto, 68, announced her mother's passing, who was 90 years old, the previous week.
Viewers had come to know Marion Scotto, often referred to as 'mama Scotto,' as a familiar presence on the program. She frequently appeared during holiday segments to share recipes. After taking a few days off, Scotto returned to the broadcast on Tuesday, September 1, but the sentiment remained evident as she teared up.
The emotional moment occurred just before the morning weather report, accompanied by the song "Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head." Scotto explained that the song reminded her of her parents. Her father, Anthony Scotto, passed away in 2021.
"Sorry, sorry. This song reminds me of my parents," Scotto said, according to People. She then expressed gratitude for the messages and support she had received since her mother's death. "My mother would kill me right now if she saw me crying on the air, so we’re going to get it together," the Emmy award-winning journalist stated, reiterating her appreciation for the outpouring of support.
Her co-hosts offered comfort and condolences. "Rosanna, you have our deepest condolences from all of us here at Fox 5 and all of our viewers," said co-anchor Dan Bowens. Meteorologist Mike Woods added, "Yes, nice to have you back. And we get it, we got you."
Scotto has been a co-anchor on "Good Day New York" since 2008 and has been with the station since 1986. She also shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) on September 1, marking her return to the studio. "Back to work… back to navigating life without my mom. Appreciate everyone who reached out," she wrote, adding a praying hand and heart emoji.
She posted a similar message on Instagram, tearfully telling her audience in a video that it was "time to get back to work," as she believes that is what her mother would have wanted. Scotto recalled that her mother had them working in the family's restaurant, Fresco by Scotto, the same night her father died.
In her initial announcement of her mother's passing on Instagram, Scotto shared a tribute calling her mother "the heart of Fresco by Scotto." She described Marion Scotto as the woman who taught them that "family comes first, that hard work is a privilege, and that faith, love and determination can carry you through almost anything." Scotto praised her mother's courage in opening the restaurant nearly 30 years prior, despite advice against it, noting her mother's belief in her family and hard work. She concluded her tribute by writing, "Your table will always be set in our hearts. We hope Dad is waiting for you with some Frank Sinatra music or …maybe even Frank Sinatra."