Katie Couric remembers her late husband Jay Monahan during speech at daughter Ellie's wedding: 'He would be so proud of you both'
Emmy winner Katie Couric remembered her late husband John 'Jay' Monahan III during her speech at her eldest daughter Ellie's wedding on July 4.
The D.C.-born bride - turning 30 this Friday - tied the knot with her Yale University sweetheart Mark Dobrosky at Cedar Lakes Estate in Port Jervis, New York.
'Jay would be so proud of you both and so thrilled that Ellie married a lacrosse player. And a terrific guy,' the 64-year-old journalist said in the speech published on KatieCouric.com.
Milestone: Emmy winner Katie Couric remembered her late husband John 'Jay' Monahan III during her speech at her eldest daughter Ellie's wedding on July 4
'When Jay was in the throes of cancer and it seemed as if the end of his life might be near, he looked at me and said, "You know, nothing really matters except your friends and family."
'When everything else was stripped away, Jay understood what was essential to a meaningful life. Ellie, he would be beaming to witness the woman you've become and somehow, some way, I hope he is.'
The attorney passed away, age 42, from colorectal cancer in 1998 after fathering Ellie (born Elinor) and her younger sister Caroline.
'I wouldn't be honest if I didn't tell you that for many years I'd been dreading this day - because of the people who are not here,' Katie said.
They do! The D.C.-born bride - turning 30 this Friday - tied the knot with her Yale University sweetheart Mark Dobrosky at Cedar Lakes Estate in Port Jervis, New York
The 64-year-old journalist said in the speech published on KatieCouric.com: 'Jay would be so proud of you both and so thrilled that Ellie married a lacrosse player. And a terrific guy'
Katie added: 'When Jay was in the throes of cancer and it seemed as if the end of his life might be near, he looked at me and said, "You know, nothing really matters except your friends and family." When everything else was stripped away, Jay understood what was essential to a meaningful life'
'Ellie's maternal and paternal grandparents. Mark's maternal and paternal grandparents, although Whitey almost made it. Ellie's aunt Marilyn. My oldest sister Emily who adored Ellie.'
The Virginia Senator died, age 54, from pancreatic cancer in 2001.
'Cherish this very special chapter in your life. Enjoy every single minute. It goes by in an instant, and soon enough you may be giving a toast at your daughter's wedding,' Couric continued.
'He would be beaming to witness the woman you've become': The attorney passed away, age 42, from colorectal cancer in 1998 after fathering Ellie and her younger sister Caroline
Couric continued: 'I wouldn't be honest if I didn't tell you that for many years I'd been dreading this day - because of the people who are not here'
'My oldest sister Emily who adored Ellie': The Virginia Senator died, age 54, from pancreatic cancer in 2001
'Don't worry, I'm not pushing! Take your time. Here's to Mark and Ellie - I wish you sunny skies and the fortitude to get through stormy weather. But most of all, I wish you a life bursting with love, light, and laughter. Cheers!'
The Stand Up To Cancer founder - who wed John Molner seven years ago - has reportedly raised $600M to support cutting-edge collaborative science to prevent cancer since 2008.
Katie - who's hosted shows on ABC, CBS, and NBC - will next promote her 368-page memoir Going There when it hits shelves on October 26.
'Enjoy every single minute. It goes by in an instant': The Stand Up To Cancer founder - who wed John Molner seven years ago - has reportedly raised $600M to support cutting-edge collaborative science to prevent cancer since 2008
Hitting shelves October 26! Katie - who's hosted shows on ABC, CBS, and NBC - will next promote her 368-page memoir Going There