The first time I hosted the Tonys, we had the privilege of presenting Best Musical together that year.
DeBose then paused to collect herself as tears welled in her eyes.
“Woo, Im not crying this morning,” she said.
Chita Rivera and Ariana DeBose.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Because she was, I am.
“In truth she made me nervous.
To be in her presence was to behold greatness,” DeBosewrote.
Ariana DeBose and Chita Rivera.ABC; Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
“I remember seeing her for the first time inMr.
Wonderfuland exclaiming, ‘Oh my God, whoisthat?’
She was the essence of Broadway.
As I write this, I am raising a glass to this remarkable woman and friend.
Chita, amiga, Salud!”
