Matt Lauer loves his mama.

The longtime Today newsman celebrated 87-year-old mom, Marilyn, ahead of Mother's Day on May 14, in an essay in the May issue of Men's Health magazine.

"My mother is a strong woman," the 59-year-old news anchor wrote in the heartfelt piece. "Her strength comes from being tested by life's unpredictability. It comes from soldiering on for her children, even when she might rather have given up. I know it hasn't always come easily, but I also know it's her greatest gift."

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Later, describing a conversation between his son Jack, 15, and Marilyn, 87, Lauer shared, "I couldn't help but think how lucky he is to be her grandson and how lucky I am to be her son."

And she's lucky to have such a caring son!

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Meanwhile, it's been quite a long journey for Lauer in morning news.

Watch the video below to flash back to the anchor's earliest days with the Today show.