A Touching Return to the Spotlight: Katie Couric’s Unfinished Message

After 27 years of personal and professional growth, Katie Couric made a momentous return to television, marking a key milestone in her legacy while delivering a message she had long wanted to complete. On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Couric appeared on The TODAY Show, where she shared her most personal and powerful reflections about the journey of grief, advocacy, and the importance of regular health screenings.

Her return wasn’t just a simple visit. It was an emotional return to the place where her career first took flight, but more importantly, it was a celebration of finding true happiness and balance—something that has been earned through time, resilience, and healing.

Co-hosts Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones, both of whom have been through their own personal struggles, welcomed Couric with open arms, creating a moment that resonated deeply with the studio audience and viewers at home. The studio’s energy shifted, bringing a wave of solidarity, as the trio came together to talk not only about Couric’s career and life but also about her latest public service announcement (PSA)—a campaign designed to save lives.

A Heartfelt Reflection on Life and Loss

Katie Couric’s return to The TODAY Show was not only about highlighting her return to TV but also about her unyielding commitment to raise awareness about a disease that took her husband, Jay Monahan, far too soon. Monahan died in 1998 at just 42 from colon cancer, a loss that turned Couric’s life upside down but also set the stage for her pivotal role in advocating for early detection.

In the years that followed her husband’s death, Couric became a steadfast advocate for colon cancer awareness. In 2000, she made history by being the first person to broadcast a colonoscopy live on television, a bold act that would forever change the way Americans viewed this critical health screening. The “Couric Effect” became a powerful symbol, as colon cancer screening rates increased by nearly 20% after her live broadcast.

“I felt a deep responsibility after losing Jay,” Couric shared during her appearance on TODAY. “I knew I had to use my platform to inform others and let them know about this disease that so many people are afraid to talk about. Colon cancer is preventable if detected early.”

The Return of Katie Couric: 25 Years of Advocacy

The timing of Couric’s return was symbolic. In addition to revisiting The TODAY Show stage, she marked 25 years since her historic colonoscopy broadcast with a fun yet meaningful PSA designed to keep the conversation going about the importance of getting checked.

The new PSA, titled “Lead From Behind,” cleverly pokes fun at this summer’s viral Sydney Sweeney jeans ad and features Couric lounging provocatively in an open denim shirt. As the camera zooms out, the audience realizes that Couric is actually lying in a hospital bed preparing for her own colonoscopy.

“Speaking of genes,” Couric says in the ad. “Did you know that the majority of people who develop colon cancer are not genetically predisposed to the disease?” The light-hearted video ends with the message: “Katie Couric gets regular screenings,” reminding viewers that early detection can save lives.

Behind the Humor: A Serious Message

While the PSA is playful and humorous, Couric’s underlying message is serious. Colon cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society, and Couric is determined to continue her crusade for early screening. The campaign encourages people, especially those over 45, to schedule their regular colonoscopies.

“I hope people watch this and laugh, but most importantly, I want them to call their doctor and get screened,” Couric said with a smile. “Colon cancer can be prevented if caught early, and this is something that is truly in our hands.”

In fact, Couric’s own family has continued this tradition of advocacy. In 2018, she accompanied late-night host Jimmy Kimmel when he underwent his colonoscopy, and she and her second husband, John Molner, even made a humorous event out of it with “his and her” colonoscopies, turning what is often a stressful and uncomfortable experience into something fun.

A Powerful PSA with Personal Significance

The timing of this announcement couldn’t have been more poignant, as Couric reflects on the legacy she’s built in both her professional and personal life. Not only did she help raise awareness for colon cancer, but she also made an indelible impact in the field of journalism, becoming one of the most beloved TV personalities of her generation.

As she sat next to Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones, both of whom have experienced personal loss, Couric’s presence on the show was even more powerful. Melvin’s brother, Lawrence Meadows, had died from colon cancer in 2020 at the age of 43, and Jones had faced the heart-wrenching loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, earlier this year. Their shared experiences of grief and the resulting strength bonded them in a profound way, as they discussed not just the statistics and the facts, but also the deep emotional weight of the disease.

“You can’t underestimate the power of early detection,” Melvin shared, nodding to his own family’s loss. “If this can save even one life, then it’s worth all the effort.”

Healing Through Public Service and Advocacy

Couric’s decision to return to the spotlight after such a long absence is a testament to her resilience. The return is not just about her, but about her mission to honor her late husband and help others avoid the same fate. Her daughter, Ellie Monahan, who has grown up in the shadow of her mother’s public advocacy, continues to stand by her side as they both work to keep Jay Monahan’s legacy alive through their commitment to health and wellness.

“When I had to tell my children about Jay’s illness, it was a moment that changed our lives forever,” Couric said. “But now, I see their strength and resilience, and I know I’m doing the right thing by continuing this journey.”

This PSA is just one part of that journey—a way to inspire others to take charge of their health, to honor those they’ve lost, and to find hope and healing in each step forward. It’s not just about colonoscopies; it’s about living with purpose and passion, and embracing change when it comes.

Conclusion: Katie Couric’s Legacy of Love, Loss, and Advocacy

Katie Couric’s return to The TODAY Show is not just a chapter in her illustrious career; it is a reminder that even after devastating loss, there is strength to be found in helping others. Her advocacy for colon cancer screening, her commitment to honoring Jay Monahan’s memory, and her own personal journey serve as powerful reminders to us all: life is fragile, but love, resilience, and the ability to make a difference can live on forever.

With her message now more urgent than ever, Couric’s legacy as both a journalist and an advocate continues to inspire. Her playful yet serious PSA is more than just a campaign—it’s a call to action, urging every viewer to take charge of their health and, most importantly, to never wait another day to get screened.