Don Lemon Chokes Up on CNN During Emotional Tribute to Gwen Ifill (Video)

CNN’s Don Lemon could barely hold back his tears while delivering an emotional tribute to Gwen Ifill, the “PBS NewsHour” anchor who died at the age of 61 on Monday.

Lemon was visibly emotional when he called Ifill “one of the most talented journalists our of time, period,” on “CNN Tonight.” He detailed his first meeting with the women he “loved” and “admired” from afar

“Gwen, you were a black woman who thrives in this brutal business dominated by mostly men. You transcended race and gender,” Lemon said. “You were simply brilliant and powerful, a quiet storm. Professional, understated, humble.”

Also Read: Gwen Ifill, 'PBS NewsHour' Host, Dies at 61

While choking up, he added: “I won’t say goodbye, because goodbyes are so hard, but I will say so long and thank you.”

Lemon, Judy Woodruff, Katie Couric, Wolf Blitzer, President Barack Obama, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and “Hamilton’s” Lin-Manuel Miranda were among those who shared their memories of Ifill on Monday.

Ifill died at the age of 61 after a battle with cancer. The journalist was absent from PBS coverage of last week’s presidential election due to her health, and had previously taken a health-related leave of absence in May.

Also Read: Don Lemon's CNN Panel on Gun Control Goes Off the Rails (Video)

Watch the video above.

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