Colbert reflected on his show’s upcoming cancellation, thanked his family, and highlighted the personal and professional impact of Cole’s 16-year tenure on The Late Show.

Stephen Colbert, 61, delivered a heartfelt and emotional acceptance speech at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 14, 2025, as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won the Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series.

The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, marked a bittersweet moment for Colbert, coming just two months after he announced that the show would end after ten seasons on CBS.

Stepping onto the stage to a standing ovation, the late-night host took a moment to honor Amy Cole, his longtime assistant and collaborator, who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 53 after a brief illness.

Cole had worked alongside Colbert for 16 years, contributing to The Colbert Report, Tooning Out the News, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, and, of course, The Late Show.

“I want to dedicate this to my mom and dad, her mom and dad, and a young woman who should be here tonight, Amy Cole,” Colbert said, his voice breaking slightly as he paused for the audience to absorb the sentiment.

The tribute brought many in the room to their feet, acknowledging Cole’s years of dedication and her impact on Colbert and his team.

Colbert had previously honored Cole on The Late Show with a memorial card at the end of an episode, which read: “Dedicated to our dear friend Amy Cole, 1970-2024.”

Colbert reflected on the depth of the loss, sharing how Cole had not only been an essential part of the production but a true friend and collaborator.

“Words cannot measure how big a loss Amy Cole is to this world,” Late Show director and producer Jake Plunkett had previously written on X, capturing the collective grief of the team.

An obituary for Cole described her work with Colbert as “more than a job,” highlighting her role as a trusted teammate and cherished member of the Late Show family.

Beyond honoring Cole, Colbert took the opportunity to thank his family. “Personally I want to thank my beautiful, brilliant wife Evelyn [McGee-Colbert] who’s the real brains of the outfit, and my three children — Madeline, Peter, and John,” he said.

His words resonated deeply, particularly in the context of the show’s impending conclusion, underscoring the personal sacrifices and the collaborative effort behind a decade-long late-night success.

Colbert’s speech also carried a note of patriotism and determination. “Sometimes you only truly know how much you love something when you get a sense that you might be losing it.

In September of 2025, my friends, I have never loved my country more desperately. God bless America.

Stay strong, be brave, and if the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy and punch a higher floor!” he urged, blending humor with earnest emotion in true Colbert fashion.

The competition in the Outstanding Talk Series category was stiff, including The Daily Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, yet Colbert’s show emerged victorious.

The win not only celebrated the program’s quality but also served as a symbolic recognition of the impact Colbert has had on late-night television and political commentary over the past decade.

The announcement of The Late Show’s cancellation in July 2025 shocked fans and colleagues alike. CBS framed the decision as a financial move in response to shifts in the late-night television landscape, insisting it was not a reflection of the show’s performance or content.

The cancellation followed Colbert’s public criticism of Paramount, CBS’s parent company, for its $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump—a controversy that had unfolded during the company’s merger with Skydance Entertainment.

Colbert’s peers quickly voiced their support. Jon Stewart, on The Daily Show, criticized the corporate decisions, emphasizing the cultural and creative value of shows like Colbert’s.

Jimmy Kimmel posted on Instagram Story, jokingly taking aim at CBS while also encouraging Emmy voters to back Colbert.

Fellow late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, even made surprise cameos on The Late Show to show solidarity following the cancellation news.

The evening highlighted Colbert’s ability to balance heartfelt emotion with sharp wit, a hallmark that has endeared him to audiences for more than a decade.

His tribute to Amy Cole was a reminder of the personal connections behind the glitz and glamour of television production—a celebration of loyalty, mentorship, and dedication that extended far beyond the camera lens.

Amy Cole’s contributions, according to colleagues, went far beyond administrative duties.

She played a key role in shaping the creative direction of sketches, coordinating production details, and ensuring the show maintained its signature blend of humor, insight, and political commentary.

Her presence was felt in every episode, and her absence remains a poignant reminder of the human side of television production.

The 77th Emmy Awards, broadcast live from Los Angeles, showcased numerous moments of recognition for television excellence, but Colbert’s acceptance speech stood out for its combination of professional achievement and personal tribute.

The audience’s prolonged standing ovation highlighted the respect and affection held for him by peers, fans, and industry insiders alike.

As Colbert concluded his speech, the mixture of laughter, tears, and applause underscored the bittersweet nature of the moment: the celebration of a major career milestone against the backdrop of an ending era in late-night television.

For Colbert, the Emmys not only recognized his creative achievements but also offered a platform to honor those who helped shape his journey, most notably the beloved Amy Cole.

Colbert left the stage with the Emmy in hand, yet the emotional resonance of the speech lingered—a testament to the intertwined lives behind the show and a reminder that every success is shared, every loss felt collectively, and every laugh earned through years of collaboration.