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Today's Carson Daly pays moving tribute to Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell as he finally returns to NBC show

Carson Daly took a moment to reminisce his memories with his beloved friend, Steve Harwell, who died from acute liver failure at the age of 56

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Today’ host Carson Daly finally returned to the NBC show after an extended absence. However, Daly shared a heartbreaking news. 

On Tuesday, September 5, Daly mourned the Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell’s death. Daly took a moment to reminisce his memories with his beloved friend, Harwell, who died from acute liver failure at the age of 56.

Harwell who entered hospice care after a long battle with alcohol addiction died on Sunday morning, September 2, at his home in Boise, Idaho as reported by his band’s manager, Robert Hayes, according to TMZ.

Carson Daly returns to ‘Today’ after prolonged absence from show 

Carson Daly, who had been notably absent from the ‘Today’ show since mid-August, made his return on Tuesday to deliver his PopStart segment.

However, Daly was greatly moved by the broadcast's tribute to musician Steve Harwell.

He became emotional as he shared his thoughts on Harwell’s life, saying, "It's very sad, I've known Steve for a long time. I was there at the beginning of [Smash Mouth's] success."

He further added, "He had such a big personality. He lived his life full throttle, and he's in a better place."

Savannah Guthrie acknowledged Daly’s heartfelt Instagram tribute to Harwell and their shared history, saying, "You did such a beautiful post about him. You guys kind of came up together. He had some tragedies."

Carson Daly mourns pal Steve Harwell’s death

Carson Daly who had met Steve Harwell in the 2000s, shared a poignant detail about Harwell’s life, saying, "He lost his child in 2001. Steve was a huge Elvis fan, so he named his son Presley, who tragically passed away at six months from leukemia."

Daly continued to fondly remember Harwell, saying, "But in better times, he was just the funniest guy, the best personality. We were listening to Smash Mouth just yesterday. It's amazing how many hits [they had]. My kids know him from the Shrek song.”

He further added, “And it's great that the music lives on. That's a positive that we have."

‘Today’s entertainment correspondent Chloe Melas chimed in, "And we know he really cared about you and credited so much of his success to you."

Daly had also paid tribute to Harwell on Instagram when news of his demise broke, expressing, "He brought joy to millions with his music, and his legacy will thankfully live on."