Today show anchor Hoda Kotb broke down in tears on television Friday morning. After interviewing New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, she teared up and repeatedly apologized as her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie intervened and said to Hoda, “I know, it’s a lot. I know where your heart is, my dear.”

New Orleans is quickly becoming an epicenter for the virus with more than 2,300 cases, as of Thursday.  Brees and his wife Brittany Brees made a $5 million donation to the state.

“I think a lot of things are contagious, including generosity. Our hope is that because you let us know that you made this big, generous donation, I think other people look and say, hey, maybe I can help out, too,” said Hoda.

Brees also offered some words of encouragement for residents.

“Hang in there and maintain hope. Obviously, we’ve been through a lot of tough times together. Whether it’s hurricanes, oil spills, floods, and this is just another one of those bits of adversity that we’re going to come out better on the other side.”

Hoda, herself, has a special place for New Orleans in her heart. She was a news anchor in the city for WWL-TV from 1992 to 1998. She’s also been the solo host in the studio as her co-anchor Savannah broadcasts from home.