Widow Honors Late-Husband With Rockefeller Tree Lighting
When a towering Norway spruce from a quiet farm in East Greenbush, New York, was chosen as the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, it was more than just a seasonal tradition coming to life. It was a deeply personal tribute, a dream fulfilled, and a family's love illuminated for millions. Judy Russ and her 7-year-old son Liam made this dream a reality, honoring the memory of her late husband Dan Russ, who passed away at the young age of 32. Their story is a stirring blend of nostalgia, heartfelt emotion, and the magic of the holidays, capturing what it truly means to spread joy, cheer, and love.
A Dream Rooted in Family History
The Norway spruce that now stands proudly in the heart of Midtown Manhattan was no ordinary tree. Planted roughly 75 years ago by Dan Russ's great-grandparents on their family farm, the tree had grown into a majestic 75-foot giant. It was a fixture of the Russ family's life, a natural playground for young Liam, who used it as his personal jungle gym. For Dan and Judy Russ, the tree symbolized more than just greenery; it was a living piece of their family's legacy and a shared dream that one day it would become the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Dan Russ, who tragically died in 2020, had long envisioned this moment. According to Judy Russ, the couple often talked about the tree's potential to be the centerpiece of New York City's most beloved holiday tradition, as reported by PEOPLE. After Dan's passing, Judy took it upon herself to make that dream come true, driven by love and the desire to keep his memory alive in a way that would touch countless hearts.
From East Greenbush to Rockefeller Center
The journey from a quiet farm to the bustling streets of New York City was nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024, after taking Liam to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Judy was struck by the thought of their own towering spruce back home. With the help of a family friend connected to Rockefeller Center, a photo of the Russ family tree found its way to Erik Pauze, the center's head gardener. Pauze's personal visit to the farm sealed the deal. He declared the tree perfect for the 2025 display, setting in motion the preparations to transport the massive spruce to the city.
The tree was carefully cut down and transported to Rockefeller Center in early November. It would soon be adorned with 50,000 twinkling lights and topped with a dazzling Swarovski star. The lighting ceremony, scheduled for Dec. 3, promises to be a moment of both celebration and poignant remembrance for the Russ family.
A Bittersweet Celebration of Life and Legacy
For Judy Russ, the experience is a bittersweet blend of joy and sorrow. The tree's radiant glow will shine in memory of Dan, a father and husband taken too soon. Judy has said she expects to be overwhelmed with emotion during the lighting ceremony, but the event will also be a beautiful tribute to the love and life they shared. "Spread joy, spread cheer, love one another. Think of our family, think of my husband, think of us. We're just happy to share it with everybody," she said, as reported by PEOPLE. Each light on the tree is dedicated to Dan's memory, a symbol of hope and the enduring power of family.
Liam, too, shares in the excitement and pride. The 7-year-old's enthusiasm that the whole world will see the tree he once climbed is a touching reminder of how private family moments can become public celebrations of love and tradition.
Spreading Joy and Holiday Magic
The Russ family's story resonates far beyond the borders of East Greenbush. It taps into a universal longing for connection, remembrance, and the joy of the holiday season. Judy's wish to spread joy, cheer, and love through this iconic tree reflects the spirit of the season and the power of shared traditions to heal and inspire.
This year, millions of visitors and viewers will gather around the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, unaware of the deep personal history behind its branches. Yet, the story of Judy, Liam, and Dan Russ adds a layer of warmth and meaning to the spectacle, reminding us all that behind every glittering light is a story of love, loss, and hope.
The Russ family's Norway spruce is more than a tree. It is a beacon of family legacy, a tribute to a beloved husband and father, and a shining symbol of holiday magic that will light up New York City and hearts around the world.
References: Widow Donates Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in Honor of Her Late Husband | Widow Who Donated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Says Husband 'Always Talked' About This Day | Judy Russ donated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to honor late husband
