Linny Boyette, 'Today' Superfan, Has Passed Away

The "Today" show has lost one of its biggest fans: Linny Boyette, who showed up at the plaza almost every morning for twenty years, passed away on Sunday.

Boyette was a constant presence at "Today," and the show was sad to report news of his passing. He became close with the co-hosts, including Meredith Vieira, over the years. They expressed their condolences on Twitter over the weekend, writing:

Keeping our friend Linny in our thoughts and prayers! We miss you.

— Matt Lauer (@MLauer) October 3, 2013

Peace Linny.
And thank you for your gentle kindness.

— Matt Lauer (@MLauer) October 7, 2013

He had been sick recently, and did not make it to "Today" last week. He was in his early 70s, according to the show.

Boyette took the train down from the Bronx every morning to get to the plaza by 5:30 a.m. He chatted with other fans and read the newspaper until the start of the show at 7 a.m. Over the course of his time on the plaza, he became especially close with Vieira, who announced that she stood next to him when she announced that she was leaving "Today."