His Wife Passed Away, Now Their Special Tree is the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is quite a special tradition. Back in 1931, workers at the Rockefeller Center put their money together to buy a Christmas tree. It was a 20-ft high balsam fir, and the men decorated it with handmade garlands that their families made. Then, in 1933, the Rockefeller Center made it an annual tradition and held the first tree-lighting ceremony, which is still going on in 2024.

This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has quite a fantastic story. The Norway spruce was donated from Earl Albert’s yard to honor his late wife Leslie. Earl and Leslie planted the tree in their front yard as newlyweds back in 1967. They had just moved into the home in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The tree grew to be 74 feet tall.

Two Days After Leslie Passed Away, The Tree Was Discovered

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Leslie passed away in 2020 at the age of 78. Just two days later, Erik Pauze, the head gardener at Rockefeller Center, spotted the tree. "I saw this tree right in front of me coming down the road," Erik told WNBC. "And I knew I had to knock on the door."

Earl and Leslie’s son Michael said he considered the gardener an angel. The family saw this as a sign. “She loved everything surrounding Christmas, the tree, all of it," Shawn, Michael’s wife, added.

What a heartfelt moment for the whole family. Earl told WNBC that being asked to donate his tree was “probably one of the greatest honors of my life” and that Leslie would be “thrilled.”

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Earl Could Not Attend the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Earl had planned to attend the lighting in person on December 4th, but he could not due to a stroke. He was able to watch through the beauty of technology. Michael and Shawn went on the Today Show and shared that he is “doing okay.” Shawn also shared. "He had his Santa hat on and my son FaceTimed with him, so he was able to sort of be here."

What a beautiful way for Earl and his family to remember Leslie by bringing joy and Christmas cheer to so many. As for the stump back in the front yard, they will brand a Rockefeller Center logo on it with the date to honor Leslie and remember the tree that brought them so much joy.

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“God is aware of broken hearts and has the power to heal and restore” - Psalm 147:3

WATCH: The Story Behind the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

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h/t: People 

Featured Image Credit: TODAY

Julie Provost is a GodUpdates staff writer and editor. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, three boys, and little dog Max. She loves to read, go to the movies, and enjoy time with family and friends.