Zach Sobiech/photo by J. Dunn Photography

Count Katie Couric among the legions of new Zach Sobiech fans.

The talk-show host featured the late songwriter on her show Friday, interviewing family members and friends while trying to hold back tears. Sobiech, who was a senior at Stillwater High School, died May 20 after a long battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Before passing he wrote "Clouds," a song about celebrating life and facing death. It has been at the top of itunes chart as well as Billboard's rock digital songs chart.

"I'm a mess, by the way," said Couric as she interviewed Sobiech's girlfriend, Amy Adamle, and his lifelong friend, Sammy Brown. Couric also talked to mother Laura Sobiech who spoke from Lakeland, Minn. through Skype.

Making a surprise appearance: Jason Mraz, one of many celebrities who participated in a video tribute that has been downloaded by millions of users.

"I've never heard a song with such purpose and needed to be in the world," Mraz said.

"The Katie Couric Show" airs locally at 2 p.m. weekdays on KSTP, Ch. 5.