Audra McDonald, a mother of two, shared a story about how her daughter, Sally, inadvertently helped her finish her acceptance speech at the 2026 New York Women in Film and Television Muse Awards. She explained that she felt tired and lost while writing her speech, prompting her daughter to sing the lyrics to a song by Jessica Deshong. McDonald also mentioned her desire to inspire others to reach for the light and energy that came back for her during the moment. She is currently married to husband Will Swenson and has a daughter, Zoe, 23.