Widow Honors Late Husband by Donating Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree To “Spread Joy”

Nov 11, 2025 by apost team

For Judy Russ, a widow from East Greenbush, New York, the towering 75-foot Norway spruce in her yard wasn't just a tree—it was a symbol of her late husband's dreams. When her husband, Dan Russ, died at just 32 years old, she was left with memories of the life they built together and the tree they always admired.

In 2025, Judy decided to honor that memory in the most meaningful way possible: by donating their beloved spruce to become the official Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, one of the most recognized holiday icons in the world. The tree, planted initially by Dan's great-grandparents approximately 75 years ago, had grown alongside generations of family memories. 

After Judy and their son Liam, then seven years old, visited Rockefeller Center one Christmas, they realized their own backyard spruce might be perfect for the famous plaza. With the help of friends and a connection to Rockefeller Center's head gardener, Erik Pauze, their dream started to take shape.

When Pauze confirmed that the Russ family's tree had been chosen, Judy and Liam were overwhelmed with emotion. The majestic evergreen was cut, hoisted onto a flatbed truck, and transported more than 150 miles to Midtown Manhattan, where it would soon shine with 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski star.

The Russ family's spruce officially arrived at Rockefeller Center on Nov. 8, 2025, marking the start of one of New York City's most cherished holiday traditions.

As cranes lifted the 11-ton tree into place, Judy and Liam looked on—a mixture of pride, tears, and gratitude. Judy told NBC's Joe Fryer on TODAY: "As my husband has passed away, I know he would have loved to have been here for this moment."

She continued:

"We always talked about it being the (Rockefeller Center) tree. It's so special that my family's tree gets to be America's, if not the world's, Christmas tree."

Judy admitted through tears: "Well, I cry at home in my living room when the tree it lit, so I'm probably going to be inconsolable that day, but it's going to be great." For her, each twinkling light symbolizes Dan's memory. She exclaimed:

"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."

The lighting ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, was televised nationwide, continuing a tradition that began in 1933. After the holidays, the tree's lumber was donated to Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in need—a fitting continuation of the Russ family's wish to make a positive impact.

Standing beneath the glowing lights that now illuminate Midtown, the Russ family's story has touched countless hearts. What began as a private family dream has become a public reminder of hope—proof that even after loss, love can still shine bright enough for the world to see.

apost.com

A family's love turned into a symbol of holiday hope. What tradition or memory keeps your loved ones close to your heart? Pass this inspiring story on to remind others that love can live on through acts of giving.