Stephen Colbert was conquer with emotion on Monday night time right before he paid out tribute to a staffer who died.
In a clip posted to X (previously Twitter), the host is shown sitting at his desk as he provides closing remarks for the episode.
“That’s it for the ‘Late Display,’” Colbert, 59, mentioned to a really silent studio viewers in advance of finding choked up.
Tapping his desk with the palm of his hand, Colbert then offered a brief “goodnight” just before strolling off stage.
A guitar then started to participate in as the display screen faded to black. A title card appeared, reading through: “Dedicated to our pricey close friend Amy Cole, 1970-2024.”
Colbert’s response sparked an outpouring of sympathy.
“Life is always far too short, my deepest sympathy,” a single person wrote.
“We ended up all bewildered about what was happening. He was hugging men and women, and then he came back again to his desk,” a next viewer recounted. “He questioned us not to applaud and proceeded to his shut. I am so sorry for his and the show’s loss.”
“So sorry to listen to this. Condolences to her family, do the job family, her close friends and all who realized her,” posted a third individual.
The Submit arrived at out to “The Late Demonstrate with Stephen Colbert” for comment.
In an obituary for Cole — who worked for Colbert as a personalized and government assistant — it was said that the Texas indigenous died Sunday “after a temporary disease.”
Cole labored with Colbert for 16 a long time.
“Working with Colbert for 16 several years was extra than a task to Amy,” the assertion study. “It gave her a reason and supplied an option to showcase herself as an incredible teammate to absolutely everyone involved.”
“She was adored by her overall ‘Late Show’ operate loved ones, and she will be significantly missed.”
Jake Plunkett, who serves as the show’s director and producer, unveiled that Cole was reportedly battling cancer when he took to X to honor his late colleague.
“Words can not measure how large a loss Amy Cole is to this planet,” he wrote. “F–k cancer.”
Opus Moreschi, a single of Colbert’s writers and producers, named Cole “a beacon of mild and pleasure and calm in the swirling chaos of our workplace.”
Both equally males implored their followers to donate to an business termed Radio Lollipop, which focuses on “providing care, consolation, engage in, and enjoyment to ill children in medical center.”
Cole was reportedly included with the group for two a long time and held a senior management function in recruiting volunteers.