Stephen Colbert Becomes Emotional as He Remembers Longtime 'Late Show' Staff Member Who Died

Stephen Colbert is mourning the loss of Amy Cole, a longtime staff member of The Late Show. 

At the end of Monday's late-night program, Colbert became visibly emotional as he tapped his desk and through tears signed off. "That's it for The Late Show, goodnight," he said as he walked off the set. 

Before the final credits rolled, a picture of Cole flashed across the screen with the message "Dedicated to Our Dear Friend Amy Cole 1970-2024." 

According to Obituary.com, Cole died "peacefully" on March 31, following a brief illness. She was 53. 

"Amy was known for her caring nature and ability to make everyone she met feel seen and special. It was obvious from the beginning that her purpose in life was to take care of people, and she certainly excelled in that calling," the site read. "Those who had the good fortune of knowing Amy experienced her as the ultimate caregiver. Her ability to forge lasting friendships was unparalleled, and her love for travel allowed her to spread her goodwill across the globe."

Cole's time on The Late Show was also celebrated.

"Working with Colbert for 16 years was more than a job to Amy," the message read. "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."

During her career, Cole also worked as a production assistant and executive assistant on Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn and The Colbert Report. 

Cole was remembered on social media by other members of The Late Show staff.

"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," writer and producer Opus Moreschi wrote on X (formally Twitter). "If you love somebody with cancer (or even if you don’t) please consider giving to Amy’s favorite charity in her name: https://radiolollipop.org/?page_id=284733."

"Words cannot measure how big a loss Amy Cole is to this world.  F--k cancer," director and producer, Jake Plunkett wrote in a message. "One of Amy's passions was helping children with cancer.  So, I ask you to help spread the light that she gave to this world by donating to the link below https://radiolollipop.org/?page_id=284733."

The Radio Lollipop Organization is children's charity that offers care, comfort, play and entertainment to children in the hospital. Cole had a senior leadership position there, and in the wake of her death, a fund has been set up in her name. It has already raised over $27,000.

A memorial service for Cole is set to be held on April 20 in Houston, Texas, at St. Agnes Academy. 

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