In an emotional revelation that struck a chord with families across the nation, Today show meteorologist Dylan Dreyer opened up about the painful decision to “uninvite” her father, Jim Dreyer, from Thanksgiving during the height of the pandemic. As COVID-19 cases surged in all 50 states, Dylan made the difficult call to protect her family — a move that reflected the reality so many Americans faced that year. But behind her calm on-air composure was a decision that tore at her heart.
“It was a tough decision,” Dylan admitted on the Today show, recalling how she agonized for days before finally picking up the phone. “I said, ‘Dad, I’m sorry to have this conversation with you, but you’re uninvited for Thanksgiving.’ I didn’t want him to feel like he had to come just because he didn’t want to break my heart.” Her words echoed the struggle of millions who had to choose safety over togetherness — a heartbreak that defined the 2020 holiday season.
At the time, health experts were warning that large family gatherings could accelerate the spread of the virus, urging Americans to stay home to protect vulnerable loved ones. For Dylan, the stakes were especially high. Her father had not seen the family in person since January, when she gave birth to her second son, Oliver. The separation made the choice even harder — but it was one she knew she had to make.
The twist came when her father responded with unexpected relief. “He was like, ‘I’m so glad you said that because I really didn’t want to come,’” Dylan said with a small laugh. Despite the tension, their mutual understanding turned the painful conversation into one grounded in love and respect.
However, Dylan wasn’t only worried about disappointing her dad — she also had to find a way to explain the situation to her three-year-old son, Calvin. “He still doesn’t believe that his cousins aren’t coming for Thanksgiving,” she said. “He thinks I’m teasing him.” Determined to keep the holiday spirit alive, Dylan planned activities to make the day special for her children, even without extended family at the table.
Fellow Today correspondent Vicky Nguyen offered advice to parents facing similar situations, emphasizing the importance of empathy and open communication. “You’ve got to acknowledge that this stinks,” Nguyen said. “Use ‘I’ statements like, ‘I’m doing this because I want to protect you, I want us to be safe.’ It helps people understand it comes from love.”
The story struck an emotional chord with viewers — not only because it reflected the national reality of isolation and sacrifice, but because it humanized a television figure millions had grown to love. Dylan’s decision became a powerful example of what it means to lead with compassion, even when it hurts.
For many, her story served as a reminder that sometimes, love means letting go — even if just for one holiday. And as Dylan proved, courage isn’t always about what we do for ourselves — it’s often about the choices we make to protect the people we love most.
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