Tragic reason man who grew Rockefeller Center Christmas tree may miss lighting ceremony after planting 74ft Norway spruce with his late wife

The Massachusetts man who grew this years stunning Rockefeller Center Christmas tree may not be able to attend the lighting ceremony on December 4.

Earl Albert, of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, suffered a stroke just days after donating the 74-foot Norway spruce he planted with his late wife, Leslie, on November 7 in an event that drew nearly 800 spectators, according to Berkshire Eagle. 

He is now recovering in a hospital in Albany, New York, and his family is hoping he will recover enough to stand in the heart of New York City to watch as his beloved tree is lit.

We thank everyone for their well-wishes and thoughtful messages, the family told the TODAY Show on Wednesday. 

Earl has been recovering from a stroke and is receiving great care. He is looking forward to the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting and working hard to be able to attend in-person.

Earl Albert, the man who grew this years Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, suffered a stroke just days after it was removed from his property

Earl and his late wife, Leslie, planted the spruce as newlyweds in 1967, and watched as it grew from a waist-high shrub to 74-feet tall

A Facebook post from the family also encouraged fans of the tree to write to Albert. 

Lets show Earl some real Christmas spirit and cheer while he recovers, it said. 

Earl and Leslie planted the spruce as newlyweds in 1967, and watched as it grew from a waist-high shrub to 74-feet tall.

We first used to decorate it when it was small, and then it got so big that I couldnt decorate it, Earl previously told NBC.

The towering beauty eventually caught the eye of Rockefeller Centers head gardener, Erik Pauze, in 2020.

Leslie passed away just days before Rockefeller Centers head gardener, Erik Pauze, visited the home to inquire about the tree

He was so taken with the spruce that he visited the Albert home, sparking a moment the family believes may have been fate - as it came just days after Leslie passed away, leading Earl and Leslies son, Michael, to wonder if Pauze was an angel or something.

Michaels wife, Shawn, remarked that Leslies influence was clear in the moment. This is definitely her handiwork, she said.

Earl also said that donating the tree to Rockefeller Center is probably one of the greatest honors of his life, adding that his late wife would have been thrilled.

Honestly, its a tribute to my mom. Its a new beginning for the tree and for our family, said Michael.

It was removed from the couples property in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts on November 7, as nearly 800 people watched

The tree will soon be adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star covered in three million crystals

After it was cut down, the tree embarked on its journey to New York City, where it will soon be adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star covered in three million crystals.

Once it is taken down in mid-January, the spruce will serve as lumber for Habitat for Humanity, to build a home for a family.

Meanwhile, the family plans to create a memorial for Leslie in the spot where the tree once stood, marking a new beginning not only for the tree but also for the Albert family. 

To honor Leslie, the family plans to create a memorial in the spot where the tree once stood, marking a new beginning not only for the tree but for the Albert family.