One local woman planted a tree in her yard more than five decades ago, and now it will be seen by millions in the city that never sleeps.

Carol Schultz lives in the town of Florida, and is the donor of this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

The 77-foot Norway spruce was cut down Thursday morning.

Schultz says while she is glad her tree will bring happiness to people worldwide, Thursday was bittersweet, since that tree has been sitting in her yard since she planted it in 1960.

"I'm so excited and sad at the same time," Schultz said. "It's like part of me. The tree is part of me and I will miss it."

After the holiday season, the tree will be cut up and the wood will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.