Jessica Buchanan's Dad: 'Today Is the Big Day'

Rescued hostage is flying home to Pennsylvania today.

ByABC News
January 30, 2012, 1:20 PM

Jan. 30, 2012 -- The father of rescued American Jessica Buchanan, who is flying home to Pennsylvania today, told ABC News "today's the big day."

John Buchanan told ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer in an exclusive interview that his daughter and his family have held up during her captivity and rescue, but the grueling wait is almost over.

"We're doing well as a family, and Jessica, we have not seen her yet -- so today's the big day," he told Sawyer. "We're all extremely excited about that. Obviously, I mean I can't really express it in words what it's going to be like to see her. ... We're just really looking forward to a great reunion."

Jessica Buchanan left from Sigonella, Italy, the Pentagon official said, and is flying a commercial jetliner to Pennsylvania.

Her father told Sawyer that when he sees his daughter today, he just wants to tell her face to face "I love you ... and I'm really glad you're OK."

Rescued Hostage Jessica Buchanan Is On Her Way Home