Tracy Morgan hasn’t spoken publicly since last year’s terrible crash, when a Walmart truck slammed into the bus he was riding in, killing his friend comedian James “Jimmy Mac” McNair, and seriously injuring Morgan, and others. This morning on the Today show, along with his lawyer, Morgan talked about the crash, his recovery, and recent settlement with Walmart.

“I can’t believe I’m here,” Morgan told Lauer.

Morgan was solemn, but hopeful as he talked about the future, but broke down into tears talking about his friend Jimmy Mac’s death. “The case is settled,” he said, referring to the legal case against Walmart, “but the pain is always going to be there for Jimmy Mac. He’s a close friend of mine, a comrade of comedy. He was a loving man, and he was a warm man. He was a good man. It’s just hard for me to see that he’s gone. That’s it….”

Morgan said he didn’t remember the crash, and didn’t didn’t find out that his friend had been killed until two weeks later. “I found out he died two weeks later when I came out of the coma. My lady told me we put Jimmy to rest. Then when I got home it really hit me.” Morgan said he watched McNair’s funeral on YouTube, and lost it for about a week. It was difficult to watch, but, he said, it was his way of paying respects.

McNair’s death has been the most difficult part of the past year, Morgan said.

“Bones heal, but the loss of my friend will never heal. But I’m happy that Walmart stepped up to the plate in a tremendous way. They took full responsibility, and I’m just really happy that they looked out for Jimmy Mack’s family cause I know my friend can rest in peace now, cause they took responsibility for that. In the beginning there was misunderstanding…but they came through in the clutch.

He also sent love to Ardie Fuqua, Jeff Millea, and Harris Stanton who were also injured during the crash.

During this morning’s interview, Morgan did have some good news that his fans have been waiting nearly a year to hear, he will return to performing comedy. “I love comedy. I’ll never stop loving her,” Morgan said. “I love comedy and I can’t wait to get back to her. But right now my goal is just to heal and get better. Cause I’m not 100% yet. And when I”m there, you’ll know it. I’ll get back to making you laugh, I promise you.”

Morgan thanked many of the medical professionals, doctors, nurses, and paramedics who helped him recover, and all of the people who stopped on the road the night of the crash to help get them out of the bus, as well as everyone who helped him keep his spirits up, including his good friend and former 30 Rock co-star, Tina Fey.

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