Coronavirus: CNN host Anderson Cooper breaks down speaking to virus widow

A widow has shared the heartbreaking details of her husband’s final days before he died of coronavirus on live TV, leaving the host in tears.

CNN TV presenter Anderson Cooper spoke to Katie Coelho yesterday about her husband who had recently passed away from coronavirus.

Mrs Coelho described how her husband, 32-year-old Jonathan, had left a goodbye note on his phone for her and their two kids.

But just minutes into the interview Cooper become emotional as he read out the details of the message.

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Mr Cooper broke down on live TV after hearing about the tragedy.

Mr Cooper, who hosts the CNN program Anderson Cooper 360, was brought to tears by Jonathan’s note.

“He wrote a note, that he, umm, left in his phone,” Mr Cooper told viewers, voice shaky.

“Part of it reads: ‘I love you guys with all my heart and you’ve given me the best life I could have ever asked for. Umm. Wh—.”

Mr Cooper then broke off his questioning to swallow back tears.

After a long pause, he said “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Mrs Coelho said. “Jonathan’s good with his words, huh?” She spoke through tears as well.

“Yeah,” the host agreed, biting his lip.

Mr Cooper and Mrs Coelho cry together on live TV over the death of her husband Jonathan.

The Coelhos were a loving family.

People took to social media to praise Mr Cooper for his humanity.

“Heartbreaking interview, Anderson. You’re (sic) compassion was touching to see,” said one.

“I cried thu (sic) the whole interview,” said another.

This interview literally had me bawling. I wish people that are still saying that this is a hoax could see this interview. God bless this family.

— Toni (@Boomchicawowwow) April 25, 2020

Jonathan Coelho passed away on April 22 after a 28-day battle in the hospital and 20 days on a ventilator, his wife, Katie Coelho told CNN.

On March 26, Jonathan tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalised because he was experiencing breathing difficulties.

His condition deteriorated and he was sent to the ICU.

The father-of-two was sedated and put on a ventilator in hopes of stabilising him.

Just four days ago, his family received word that he had passed away.

Doctors had expected Jonathan to pull through.

Jonathan was just 32 years old.

“I keep thinking … there is going to be a time where I have been without my husband longer than I have been with him. It hurts,” Mrs Coelho said during the interview.

Friends of Mrs Coelho have started a GoFundMe, explaining how her husband was the sole provider of the family.

“Katie is a wonderful stay at home mom who has spent countless hours caring for Braedyn who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and their sweet baby girl, Penelope,” the fundraiser reads.

Jonathan has left behind his wife and two kids.

So far over 11,000 people have donated to the Coelho family, and US$662,384 (AU$1 million) has been raised.

Some donors acknowledged that Mr Cooper’s emotional TV interview had compelled them to donate.

“I heard Katie's story on Anderson Cooper 360. I am so sorry this happened to her and to so many other families like hers. I hope my small contribution makes a difference. Be strong Katie.”