She's the little girl who didn't want to let go of her daddy's hand as he prepared to leave for war. The emotional gesture of Paige Bennethum, 4, was caught on camera by her mother, Abby, in July. Now, it's captured national attention, with Paige and her mother appearing on NBC's "Today". WFMZ's Jackie Shutack introduces us to one brave little girl who is now an internet sensation.

  >> REPORTER: It's the type of photo we see all too often - a 4 year old girl not ready to let her dad deploy to Iraq.

>> PAIGE BENNETHUM: "I was holding my daddy's hand because I didn't want to let go of him!"

>> REPORTER: Last July, Paige ran up to her dad as he stood in line with his fellow soldiers at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. This indelible image of Army Reservist Staff Sergeant Brett Bennethum and his daughter has caught the heart of a nation.

>> ABBY BENNETHUM/PAIGE'S MOM: "She has always been very attached to him, never wants to let him go."

>> REPORTER: Paige's mom Abby took the photo, a relative forwarded it to several publications.

And now...Paige's plea to her dad has made her a national sensation.

This morning, Paige and Abby appeared on the Today Show...with a surprise guest, Brett.

He's in Iraq performing transportation missions with the 733rd Transportation company. It is his 3rd deployment.

>> "Paige are you going to be a movie star? I'm going to be on the tv!"

>> REPORTER: Later this afternoon, while our camera was rolling, Brett called home. He says he is so proud of his little girl.

>> SSGT. BRETT BENNETHUM/PAIGE'S FATHER: "I'm excited I got to see her on television, and the outpouring of support has just been phenomenal."

>> REPORTER: Brett admits it has been a whirlwind for this Laureldale family.

Paige has a sister, 10 month old Leana, and another sibling on the way.

>> PAIGE: "I hope you like your trip but I'm very sad that you're gone."

>> REPORTER: Brett is due to return home next July. Little Paige can't wait.

>> "Paige, is there anything you want to say about Daddy? I'm his princess."

>> REPORTER: Until then, Paige hugs and kisses the phone, saying good-bye to her daddy, waiting for his return.

In Laureldale, Berks County, Jackie Shutack, 69 News.

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