The Late Show family is mourning the loss of Stephen Colbert’s longtime executive assistant Amy Cole tonight.
Cole was just 53. A close friend confirms she died earlier today.
The show paid tribute to Cole at the end of Monday night’s show with a title card that read “Dedicated to our dear friend Amy Cole, 1970-2024.”
Audience members who attended today’s show reported that the otherwise jovial taping took a serious turn at the end when Colbert asked the crowd to hold their applause and he appeared to be at a loss for words before tearfully saying goodnight.
Audience members did not see the title card, nor was it explained to them why Colbert was so upset. The stunned crowd watched in silence as he got up from his desk and quietly left the studio. A minute or two later, they were told the taping was over.
i just saw the moment on TV. Stephen wanted to say something but then realized he couldn’t without breaking into pieces and he left. He didn’t have to say anything.
This was sad. I was confused as to what had happened as he acted uncharacteristically quiet, and was choked up. He did say good night and got up to leave with no music and no fanfare. There was no explanation until the graphic of his executive assistant was revealed at the very end of the show. And that’s how the show ended.
So very sorry for your loss. Take comfort knowing she is with God and at peace.
Yes, I just saw that a few minutes ago and was stunned at first by his sad exit. The card then came up and I googled it to see who she was. There are a lot of Amy Coles so I googled Stephen Colbert Amy Cole and found this article. Rest In Peace 🩵🩷🧡💜💚❤️🌈🥲
The heartache and grief Stephen was feeling was so obvious and in that moment no words were necessary. My sympathies.
I attended Monday’s taping. The show had a handful of moments which were re-taped for later editing, but the ending was truly baffling as the live audience did not see the graphic announcing Ms. Cole’s passing. As Stephen left the stage after his final words, you could hear a pin drop from the audience.
My deepest condolences to Stephen Colbert , the Late night team and Amy’s family.
It was heartbreaking and touching to see Stephen , an eloquent speaker , unable to speak. He didn’t need to. His emotional Goodnight and palpable pain honored Amy more than words. I could feel he lost someone he loved very much before the dedication to Amy appeared.
It must have taken a lot for Stephen to get through the show.
With deepest sympathy ,
Your post is beautiful. Funny how Stephen is even more endearing because he shares his emotional vulnerability with all off us.
Well said. Most of us have “been there” & for those who have yet to experience, you will.
SC could have gone on for days but his emotion was an incredible tribute. His love & loss were all that was needed.
I have had the honor of knowing Amy for the last 40 years, we were high school friends and kept in touch over the years, as she did with many many from her early years. Her impact on all of us was so great. She lights up a room, she smiles and laughs and makes those around her feel like rockstars when really she is the amazing one. We appreciated Stephen honoring her and were all watching from Texas.
Tracey,
I too had the honor of knowing Amy as a neighbor and friend for 20+ years and your words ring so true. I always felt just a little happier after seeing Amy or even after just exchanging texts. She was such a star, in every way. She loved life, her family, her colleagues and her many friends and I felt so lucky to know her. Amy was taken way, way too soon and will be missed. I hope she knew how much she was loved; I suspect she did. My heart goes out to her family and friends,to Stephen and Evie and to all her colleagues at Late Night.
Tracey,
Thank you for sharing. A very poignant moment. She must have been a wonderful person.
From Texas, Dennis
I’m sorry for the loss of Amy Cole
I would love to sit in the audience especially since my daughter relocated to NYC in 2012 but since I’ve had trauma I’m apprehensive as to what might happen without being forewarned even if I hadn’t eaten which would at least save the people around me seeing me vomiting I just passout which I always thought of the goats when they are so horrified they passout as the audience is in the lineup outside/on the way in a little note should have been handed out /a posting forewarning have a little respect for your audience Thank You
What are you talking about?
Seeming to be rambling….
Here’s an idea – how about not making this post about you? Just wow.
Kids, don’t do drugs!
Drugs
What the hell
Should you lose someone, you can create your little cards to hand out. Until then, no one is interested in you sharing your trauma and drama. Read the room!
I would have never known about the loss behind the scenes had this approach to a memorial for the loss of a coworker. I recently lost my sister to cancer and had nothing to dedicate to her.
I am so sorry about the loss of Amy Cole. Sending my love and prayers to the family and friends.
Watching last night I could immediately tell that Colbert was struggling to say something, I think he just couldn’t get the words out. Then I saw the “in memoriam” and looked it up today and understood. Heartfelt thoughts to all who knew and loved Amy Cole, may peace find you.
So sorry for your loss
Stephen Colbert has always impressed me as someone who feels deeply about those he cares about. He doesn’t “collect people” as some more shallow celebrities seem to do. I bet Amy, who has been in his close circle for years, wassincerely loved.
Sorry for her family but I can not stand him at all.
No one asked.
I am so sorry this happened. Sounds like a wonderful person–part of a very special family.. … sounds like she was an important link
I’m so sorry for your loss such a young, beautiful woman God has the last word. Thank God you had a chance to know and love her God you had a chance to know she will be missed. May she rest in heavenly peace.
Pat Faggett
Silver Spring, Maryland
Amy you will find happiness in heaven you are an angel now you are now with god
Sorry for your loss, I can tell she was very loved by you
I am so sorry for your loss, her families loss,The Late Shows loss. This is the part of life that saddens me the most….losing friends and family. Take your time Stephen. Hugs, J.J.
Deepest Sympathies go to her Family & Friends. May she Rest in the Loving Arms of Our Lord, in Peaceful Eternity