Carson Daly is grieving another heartbreaking loss. Just over a month after the death of his beloved mother, Pattie Daly Caruso, the TODAY host is now mourning the passing of his stepfather, Richard Caruso. The news comes at a deeply emotional time for Daly and his family, who are still coping with the pain of Pattie’s sudden death earlier this fall.

Richard Caruso died following a battle with bone cancer. Despite the seriousness of his illness, those who knew him say he carried himself with grace, strength, and the same devotion to family that defined his entire life.

Carson shared the news with fans and followers on Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute only hours after his stepfather’s death. The message reflected both profound sadness and an enduring belief that love continues beyond the physical world.

“Pops passed away today with absolute dignity & pride. The greatest man we ever knew. Our hero,” Daly wrote. “He exemplified great faith, loyalty to family & hard work. He provided us all with so much. We’re grateful. His legacy lives on in all of us & anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He’s reunited with mom now. Our faith remains strong. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.”

Alongside his tribute, Carson shared a photo of himself with Pattie and Richard — a visual reminder of the strong family bonds that shaped his life and career.

Richard Caruso entered Carson Daly’s life after tragedy. Carson’s father, Jim Daly, died from bladder cancer in 1979, leaving Carson and his sister Quinn without their dad at an early age. Pattie eventually remarried, and Richard stepped into the role of father with unwavering love and support.

Carson has never hesitated to express how much that meant to him. In 2013, he reflected on having two extraordinary father figures, saying, “God blessed me with two incredible dads.”

To Carson, Richard wasn’t a stepfather — he was simply “Dad.”

Daly has often spoken publicly about how Richard shaped his understanding of responsibility and work ethic. He once shared a vivid childhood memory: waking every morning to the sound of Richard’s polished dress shoes on the wood floor as he left for work at 5 a.m., day after day, without complaint or excuse.

By the time Richard returned each evening, usually around 6:30 p.m., he still made sure his family felt like his first priority. To Carson, that dedication was the purest expression of love.

“Family meant everything to him and he worked hard to provide for us,” Daly said, admiring both Richard’s quiet strength and the way he lived his values.

The timing of Richard’s death makes it especially painful for Carson and his family. Pattie Daly Caruso — a vibrant television personality known for her infectious warmth — died of a heart attack at age 73 on September 17. She was beloved in the Palm Springs community, where she hosted local media programs and became a recognizable presence for decades.

Carson has been open about his grief from the beginning, describing his mother as not only his biggest champion but also the emotional core of their family. Now, losing Richard less than two months later deepens the heartbreak.

Still, Carson’s message about Richard isn’t just sorrowful — it reflects the comfort his family draws from their faith. The belief that Pattie and Richard are together again is a source of solace during the darkest moments.

It is a reminder that grief, though powerful, often coexists with gratitude — for the memories, the love, and the legacy those we lose leave behind.

In the wake of these losses, Carson has expressed appreciation for the outpouring of love from colleagues, viewers, and fans. The TODAY team has rallied around him with emotional support, kind words, and shared remembrances of his family’s presence on the show over the years.

The Daly-Caruso family has long demonstrated unity and resilience. Pattie and Richard built a loving home, and their pride in their children never faded. Carson has often credited them for grounding him through fame, career pressures, and personal challenges.

Now, as they face this painful chapter, the strength that Richard embodied continues to guide them.

For Carson, Richard Caruso will be remembered not for his illness, but for the decades of devotion, generosity, and guidance he gave freely. His contributions weren’t loud or showy — they were heartfelt, consistent, and essential. He was a man of faith, loyalty, and steady love. A protector. A provider. A hero in everyday ways.

As Carson wrote, Richard’s legacy “lives on in all of us.” That includes his teachings, his humor, his energy, and his belief in family above all else.

There is a quiet beauty in imagining a reunion — husband and wife, together again after a lifetime of partnership. While their absence is devastating for those who love them, the Daly-Caruso family continues to celebrate a bond that not even death can break.

Carson Daly has spent decades helping viewers start their mornings with optimism and comfort. Today, those same viewers return the kindness — sending healing thoughts, prayers, and support during a time when words often feel too small.

As he and his loved ones mourn, one thing remains certain: Richard Caruso will never be forgotten. His influence lives on through the family he nurtured and the lives he touched. And through Carson’s stories and love, his memory continues to shine.