When the majority of Australians voted ‘yes’ to marriage equality on Wednesday, Richard Wilkins was overcome with joy.
But on the Today show Thursday, he was on the verge of tears as he shared a truly heartwarming message to his son and gay rights advocate Christian, 22.
At the end of a segment, the proud father stopped the show, stared straight down the camera lens, and shared his first ever on-air tribute to his ‘beautiful boy.’
‘Extremely proud’: Richard Wilkins was on the verge of tears on the Today show Thursday, as he shared a truly heartwarming message to his son and gay rights advocate Christian, 22
A notable buzz of anticipation filled the studio, after the 62-year-old requested: ‘Look. I just want to say something.’
‘It was a significant day yesterday for Australia, which has of course resonated around the world – and it was also a very profound day for my family.’
He held his composure as he announced: ‘My son Christian has been a passionate advocate for marriage equality.’
‘Profound day for my family’: ‘It was a significant day yesterday for Australia, which has of course resonated around the world – and it was also a very profound day for my family’ he said
But Richard’s voice began to crack under the weight of joy as he continued to sing the praises of his brave, determined son.
‘To see the joy and relief on his face yesterday made me very happy and extremely proud of my beautiful boy,’ he said.
‘It feels to me like we all grew up a little bit yesterday. I love you very much darling, very proud. Thank you.’
On the verge of tears: ‘To see the joy and relief on his face yesterday made me very happy and extremely proud of my beautiful boy,’ the teary Today star continued
‘We all grew up yesterday’: ‘It feels to me like we all grew up a little bit yesterday. I love you very much darling, very proud. Thank you’ (pictured with Andrew Kelly)
As Richard took a deep breath, it was clear from his expression that a weight had finally been lifted following Wednesday’s vote.
And his message had a clear impact on his son, who shared the video to Instagram, accompanied by his own powerful message.
‘I’ve never felt prouder to be an Aussie. I’m so lucky to have a family that love and support me,’ he began.
‘But to all the kids out there who might not receive unconditional love know you are accepted, you are important and you are cared for. Go Australia!’
Finally! As Richard took a deep breath, it was clear from his expression that a weight had finally been lifted following Wednesday’s marriage equality ‘yes’ vote
‘You are important’: Christian replied to the tribute on Instagram, praising his family, and adding: ‘to all the kids out there who might not receive unconditional love know you are accepted, you are important and you are cared for’