Luke Russert is set to follow in his late father Tim Russert's footsteps. He'll report on "youth issues" at the Democratic and Republican conventions as a special correspondent for NBC, the Associated Press reports.
"I'm not trying to be my father. He's irreplaceable. I'm simply trying to do something that I think there's a real niche for, that there's a calling for, that has to do with youth, not just in the election but in politics from now on," Luke said, according to the AP.
Tim Russert's wife Maureen Orth is opening up about the sudden death of her late husband, saying her family is "doing great" due to an outpouring of public support.
Speaking with NBC's Matt Lauer on the "Today Show," Orth said that she and her family have drawn on their faith to help get them through. "Our faith has helped protect us, but also all this love has helped protect us."
Luke Russert may soon make his dad even prouder! According to Page Six, their insiders tell them that NBC is scouting Luke to join their team for the 2009 presidential election coverage. Luke reportedly impressed executives during his TV appearances in the wake of his father's death.
Although the network would not confirm that Luke will be covering the presidential campaigns, a rep tells ET: "Luke is an extraordinary young man and NBC would be lucky to have him."
Highly respected news anchor Tom Brokaw will take over duties for the late Tim Russert on "Meet the Press" through at least the end of the 2008 presidential election, reports Variety.
Top NBC news anchor BRIAN WILLIAMS will host "Meet the Press" this Sunday following the death of regular host TIM RUSSERT, but the network has not yet decided on a permanent replacement, the Associated Press reports.
Russert, who died last week of a heart attack at age 58, led "Meet
the Press" to the top position among the Sunday morning talk shows.
TIM RUSSERT's friends, family and colleagues gathered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to honor the late newsman. Now, watch the heartfelt eulogies delivered by Russert's son, LUKE, and California first lady MARIA SHRIVER.
Raising a partially filled glass of water, Luke said: "For Tim Russert, his glass was always half-full. … In my 22 years, I've never met anybody filled with so much optimism. … My dad was a force of nature, and now his own cycle in nature is complete. … I love you, Dad."
The funeral for renowned newsman TIM RUSSERT took place this morning at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington D.C. Along with Tim's son LUKE and wife MAUREEN ORTH, also paying their respects were NBC anchor BRIAN WILLIAMS, "Today" show co-host MATT LAUER, TOM BROKAW, MARIA SHRIVER, KATIE COURIC and Senators JOHN KERRY, BARACK OBAMA and JOHN McCAIN.
Mourners have begun arriving at the public wake for late NBC newsman TIM RUSSERT, which is taking place today at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH and the first lady have arrived at the school, where Russert's son LUKE graduated in 2004. Luke, along with his mother and Tim's wife of 25 years, MAUREEN ORTH, greeted mourners, which included PHIL DONAHUE, ABC's GEORGE WILL, California First Lady MARIA SHRIVER and actress SUSAN SAINT JAMES. More details to come...
Plans are being made to honor to the life of newsman TIM RUSSERT this week. A wake will be held on Tuesday, and MSNBC will broadcast a public memorial service on Wednesday.
Mourners will have a chance to say their goodbyes to Russert during the event, which will be held Tuesday afternoon at his son LUKE's alma mater, St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. A private funeral and burial will be held on Wednesday, followed by a private memorial service that will be broadcast live on MSNBC from the Kennedy Center at 4 p.m. ET.
ET has learned that "NBC Nightly News" anchor BRIAN WILLIAMS had to forfeit hosting the 67th Annual George Foster Peabody Awards ceremony today in New York City, due to the loss of his esteemed colleague TIM RUSSERT, who died on Friday of a heart attack.
Colleagues of TIM RUSSERT dedicated Sunday's edition of NBC's "Meet the Press" to the show's former host, who collapsed at work Friday and died of a heart attack at age 58. Russert's chair was left empty as former NBC news anchor TOM BROKAW and others reflected on the late newsman's life and career.
"His voice has been stilled," Brokaw said of the sudden death of Russert, who hosted "Meet the Press" for more than 16 years. He added that the goal of the tribute show was "remembering and honoring our colleague and our friend."
TIM RUSSERT's personal physician, DR. MICHAEL A. NEWMAN, announced on MSNBC Friday night that an autopsy had been conducted and it was determined that the affable 58-year-old journalist had passed away due a heart attack resulting from asymptomatic coronary artery disease.
In the wake of the news that 58-year-old NBC News Washington Bureau Chief TIM RUSSERT died today, many of his contemporaries and admirers are remembering his impact on the world of journalism and politics.
ETNOW: Taylor Lautner on Kristen Stewart: We Have a Similar Relationship to Jacob & Bella http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/11/81249/index.html
ETNOW: Taylor Lautner says now that 'New Moon' is out he's ready for Thanksgiving, "family, food and football." RT @BradBesseyET @OfficialTL
ETProdSharlette: TWILIGHT-NEW MOON breaks all records. Midnight crawlers brought in 26.27 Million last night. WOW congrats vampires and wolves, ET has it!
BradBesseyET: Taylor Lautner says now the wait is over for Twilight: New Moon, he's ready for Thanksgiving and "family, food and football." @OfficialTL
ETNOW: Our @BradBesseyET promised & here it is! Adam Lambert Gives ET a Sneak Peek at His AMA Performance http://tinyurl.com/yzuqqng @adamlambert
Module - Poll
Catch Hollywood's brightest stars out on the town!
Donning their most dazzling duds, Hollywood's loveliest ladies and sexiest studs descended upon legendary hotspot the Chateau Marmont for the 14th annual GQ Men of the Year bash. Take a look at Hollywood's biggest names as they light up Los Angeles!
GQ's page-turning "Men of the Year" issue hits newsstands Nov 24.
E-Mail | 
