Keith Morrison, the iconic host of “Dateline,” opened up about the weight of his stepson Matthew Perry’s death, revealing that the pain is with him all the time. In a candid conversation with Hoda Kotb on her “Making Space” podcast, Morrison shared, “It’s with you every day. It’s with you all the time, and there’s some new aspect of it that assaults your brain, and it’s not easy.”

Matthew Perry, best known for his role in “Friends,” tragically passed away at the age of 54 when he was found dead in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023. The coroner later determined that Perry had died from the acute effects of ketamine.

Following Perry’s passing, Morrison revealed that he arrived at the scene with his wife and Perry’s mother, Suzanne Langford Perry. He mentioned that Suzanne wasn’t having an easy time dealing with the loss, highlighting the close bond she shared with her son in his final days.

Morrison shared, “I don’t think I’m giving away too much if I say that toward the end of his life, they were closer than I had seen them for decades.” He added that Perry and his mother were constantly texting and sharing details that most middle-aged men don’t usually share with their mothers.

Reflecting on Perry’s final days, Morrison echoed Jennifer Aniston’s comments about how happy Perry had been before his untimely death. He mentioned, “He was happy, and he said so… It’s a source of comfort, but also, he didn’t get to have his third act, and that’s not fair.”

When asked if he was surprised by Perry’s death, Morrison answered, “It was the news you never want to get, but you think someday you might.” He expressed his support for Perry as he struggled with substance abuse, from the high points of his career to the lows that led to multiple trips to rehab.

Morrison shared insights into Perry’s battle with addiction, stating, “He came to understand he’d get to a certain point, and then he knew he had to go and get treatment, and he’d accept help when he needed it.” The tragedy of Perry’s untimely death served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle with addiction.

In honor of Perry, Keith Morrison and Suzanne Langford Perry established the Matthew Perry Foundation to provide support for individuals battling addiction. Morrison emphasized the constant battle against the disease of addiction, acknowledging that it remains a continual challenge.

The legacy of Matthew Perry lives on through the foundation established in his name, offering hope and support to those in need. Keith Morrison’s heartfelt words shed light on the pain of loss and the importance of addressing mental health and addiction issues with compassion and understanding. The memory of Matthew Perry continues to inspire efforts to help others facing similar challenges.