The adored host of CBS’s The Late Show, Stephen Colbert, choked back tears as he said goodbye to his longtime executive assistant, Amy Cole, who sadly passed away after a brief illness. The poignant tribute concluded Monday’s show, moving viewers with Colbert’s unvarnished expression of feeling.
Colleagues who posted touching tributes on social media platforms disclosed that Amy Cole, a beloved member of Colbert’s team, had been battling cancer. Prior to her death, she was undergoing treatment at the esteemed Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in Manhattan.
The moment carried a heavy weight as Colbert ended the show with a sorrowful message to the crowd. Colbert was having trouble staying calm, and his voice wavered as he said his last goodbye. He tapped his desk gently and paused silently, which said volumes before he said “good night” and walked off stage.
A modest but impactful title card that read, “Dedicated to our dear friend Amy Cole, 1970-2024,” emerged after Colbert’s departure, paying moving homage to her memory.
Stephen Colbert Fights Tears In Moving Memorial Tribute To Executive Assistant Amy Cole https://t.co/UWDoaOjR0M
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) April 4, 2024
Originally from Houston, Texas, Amy Cole moved to New York City in 2002 and started her career in television. She had worked as an executive assistant and production assistant for sixteen years on a variety of shows, such as The Colbert Report, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. For Cole, working with Colbert was more than just a job; it gave her a sense of fulfilment and purpose and gave her the chance to show off her extraordinary skills as an important team member.
Cole was kindly remembered by both friends and coworkers for her kindness, commitment, and steadfast support. Her obituary, which describes her as an indispensable member of the Late Show family, emphasises the great influence she had on everyone in her vicinity.
Cole was survived by her parents, two sisters, and a large number of other family members. Her death has left an unfillable hole. Her obituary, which highlights the innumerable individuals she impacted with her compassion and kindness, beautifully conveys the breadth of her connections.
Following this tragic death, condolences and offers of help have been received from all directions. Jake Plunkett, the director and producer of Late Show, summed up the sentiment expressed by many in his heartfelt tweet, which highlights Cole’s life’s enormous influence and the injustice of her premature death.
Donations to Cole’s favourite charities, such as St. Agnes Academy, Radio Lollipop, or Donorschoose.org, are welcome in place of flowers as a heartfelt gesture to commemorate her life and carry on her legacy of generosity and compassion.
Sarah’s View:
Stephen Colbert bid a tearful farewell to his beloved executive assistant, Amy Cole, on CBS’s The Late Show, as she tragically succumbed to illness. Viewers were deeply moved by Colbert’s heartfelt tribute to Cole, who had been battling cancer and receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital. Emotions ran high as Colbert struggled to maintain composure, expressing his final goodbye with a heavy heart. A simple yet poignant title card dedicated to Cole followed Colbert’s departure, honoring her memory and the significant impact she had on the show. Originally from Houston, Cole’s dedication to her work spanned sixteen years, making her an invaluable member of the Late Show family. Fondly remembered for her kindness and unwavering support, Cole’s passing leaves a profound void. In her honor, donations to her favorite charities are encouraged, ensuring her legacy of generosity and compassion lives on.