NEED TO KNOW
- Al Roker gifted 7-year-old Elliott Austin Broadway tickets and a shopping spree at the American Girl store after a viral Thanksgiving parade moment
- Elliott’s family extended their NYC trip after her unexpected fame
- The little girl had already seen the Rockettes with her Nana before Roker’s surprise tickets
Finally, some tickets she can use!
Al Roker had a fun viral moment amid the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 27, when he pulled 7-year-old Elliott Austin out of the crowd to award her with complimentary tickets to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes.
“I did that yesterday!” Elliot told Roker during the broadcast, prompting lots of laughs and online love.
On Monday, Dec. 1, Elliott and her mom, Casey Austin, visited the Today show, where Roker redeemed himself by gifting the birthday girl with some special surprises, including tickets to see the musical Six on Broadway as well as a shopping spree at the American Girl store.
NBC
As for Elliott’s other memorable NYC moments, she shared, “I ate ham at my cousin’s house!”
Elliott’s mom said the family is “still digesting” Elliott’s newfound fame. The family, who hail from Tampa, Fla., extended their trip amidst the parade excitement.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Peacock
Casey said they’ve heard from “friends, teachers, family” since Elliott went viral. As for how the blunder happened in the first place, Casey shared that since her daughter was first born, she had planned to take her to New York when her birthday fell on Thanksgiving.
A family friend reached out as she knew about the plans, asking if they could put the family in contact with some people connected to the parade. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity, Casey agreed, while the family had already seen the Rockettes the day before.
“Her Nana had bought her tickets to the Rockettes way in advance,” Casey said. “Couldn’t pass up going with Nana to see them the morning before. And we will definitely be back to see the Rockettes.”
Roker admitted that he committed a “rookie mistake” while interviewing Elliott: “Never ask a question you don’t know the answer to.”
When asked how Casey will top this birthday for Elliott next year, she said, “I don’t know, we’ll be back here next year?”
