Savannah Guthrie paid an emotional on-air tribute to Brooke Eby, the ALS advocate and former Today guest who died Oct. 1 at age 37.
Guthrie remembers Eby’s humor and courage
During a Today segment, Guthrie remembered Eby for the way she approached a devastating diagnosis with openness and humor. Eby was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, at age 33 and later built a large social media following by documenting her life with the disease.
Rather than avoiding difficult realities, Eby frequently used comedy to explain her symptoms and experiences. Guthrie described that humor as one of Eby’s strengths and praised her for bringing wider attention to ALS.
Eby turned her diagnosis into advocacy
Eby appeared on Today in 2023 and spoke publicly about finding connection and joy while living with a progressive neurological disease. She later founded the ALStogether community, creating another space for people affected by ALS to connect.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Eby’s father, Cliff, also reflected on his daughter’s impact, noting the progress she made in raising awareness even though she was unable to find the cure she hoped for.
A lasting impact beyond social media
ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and leads to worsening muscle weakness over time. Eby’s willingness to discuss the condition in accessible language helped introduce many followers to the realities faced by patients and families.
Guthrie and cohost Craig Melvin remembered Eby as someone who left a meaningful mark through her advocacy. Her death prompted tributes from people who had followed her journey and from members of the ALS community.
Eby was 37. Her work continues through the conversations and community she helped build around ALS awareness, support and research.