Overview

• On July 7 during his guest co-host segment with Jenna Bush Hager, Jolinda Wade surprised her son by reading a personal letter on TODAY’s fourth hour.
• In the video message, she recalled their “pen pal” letters during her 1990s incarceration, saying they sustained her through her prison sentence.
• She hailed Dwyane as “a blessing” and commended his dedication as a father to grandchildren Zaire and Zaya.
• Their enduring bond has been central to his 2012 memoir “A Father First” and motivated him to purchase a church for her pastoral work in 2008.
• The moment underscored themes of redemption, gratitude and family love that have defined their journey together.