Stephen Colbert received a big win at the 77th Emmy Awards for his eponymous late night talk show. During his heartfelt speech, during which he made sure to mention his wife and kids, the host made a tribute to his late executive assistant Amy Cole, who died in March 2024.
“I got to thank these people, those people up there, the 200 professionals. You are the pros from Dover, and I am so proud to be one of you. We have to thank the people who have supported us for the last 20 years,” Colbert said.
After thanking his wife and family, a choked-up Colbert mentioned “a young woman who should be here tonight, Amy Cole.”
Colbert Tearfully Remembered Cole After His Show
After the death of his longtime assistant, Colbert got choked up as he closed out his April 2024 show with a simple, “That’s it for ‘The Late Show.'”
As he struggled to find words, he tapped on his desk and said, “Good night.” A memoriam then popped up on the screen with a picture of Cole and the words, “Dedicated to our dear friend Amy Cole.”
According to Cole’s obituary, she died on March 31, 2024 “after a brief illness.” She had a longstanding career with Colbert, having worked with him for 16 years on “The Colbert Report” and “The Late Show.”
“Working with Colbert for 16 years was more than a job to Amy. It gave her a purpose and provided an opportunity to showcase herself as an incredible teammate to everyone involved. She was adored by her entire Late Show work family, and she will be greatly missed,” the obituary stated.
“Amy remembered the important dates in your life and wrote the most thoughtful notes. She gave nicknames that stuck and recalled hilarious memories in detail. She was instantly loved and admired by every child that she encountered. Amy expressed gratitude … always … even during difficult times.”
A producer for Colbert revealed that Cole had passed away from cancer. “Amy Cole was a beacon of light and joy and calm in the swirling chaos of our workplace. I am absolutely gutted that she’s gone. If you love somebody with cancer (or even if you don’t) please consider giving to Amy’s favorite charity in her name: [Radio Lollipop],” he tweeted.
Colbert’s Emmy Win Was Bittersweet
Colbert’s Emmy win came after his announcement in July that his eponymous late night show was being canceled by CBS.
“Before we start the show, I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending the ‘Late Show’ in May,” he told the audience.
He continued, “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS. I’m not being replaced, this is all just going away.”
“I’ve had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years. And let me tell you, it is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it, and it’s a job that I’m looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months,” Colbert added.
