CNN anchor Don Lemon delivered an emotional tribute on air Friday to ousted CNN president Jeff Zucker.
THE QUOTE
Lemon added his voice to a chorus of CNN employees praising Zucker since he resigned Wednesday, citing a previously undisclosed affair with a top aide.
- “It’s been a really tough day, today, and a tough few days for us here at CNN. All week, really. I didn’t want to talk about until tonight,” Lemon said, going on to praise Zucker as “the backbone, the glue and the spirit of this company.”
- “So, thank you, Jeff Zucker, for everything you did for everyone at this network and for what you did to the entire country — for the entire country,” Lemon concluded.
SAME ENERGY
CNN host Brian Stelter also expressed dismay at Zucker’s departure on Sunday’s episode of “Reliable Sources.”
Meanwhile, CNN anchor Jake Tapper reportedly held a “shiva-like” session for employees to mourn Zucker’s passing.