In an emotional farewell, Jimmy Kimmel became visibly tearful during the final episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on December 12, 2025. The host reflected on a challenging year, expressing gratitude to fans for their unwavering support through numerous ups and downs.
Kimmel’s Heartfelt Goodbye
As the episode opened, Kimmel fought back tears while delivering a sincere message to his audience. “I’m Jimmy. I am the host of the show. Thank you for watching. Thank you for joining us here at our home in beautiful Hollywood, California, for what is our final show of the year,” he began. He described the past year as “strange” and “hard,” revealing the emotional toll it had taken on him.
Throughout his monologue, Kimmel acknowledged the personal challenges he faced, stating, “We’ve had some lows, we’ve had some highs, for me, maybe more than any year in my life.” His heartfelt words resonated deeply, prompting him to apologize for his tears as he continued to express gratitude for the audience’s loyalty. “On behalf of all of us, I’m crying already. I’m sorry on behalf of all of us at the show,” he added.
Support from Fans
Kimmel underscored the importance of viewer support, saying, “You literally pulled us out of a hole and we cannot thank you enough personally.” He acknowledged the demanding nature of hosting, stating, “I know there are a lot harder jobs, but this is not an easy job to do.” He shared that messages from fans, indicating that the show helped them feel less isolated, provided him comfort and strength.
As he wrapped up his monologue, Kimmel offered a hopeful note, reminding his audience that there remains “more good in this country than bad,” and wished everyone a happy holiday season. His emotional farewell appeared to be influenced by a turbulent year, including a brief suspension of his show by Disney following controversy over comments made regarding conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The suspension, which lasted less than a week, sparked significant backlash from fans.
Kimmel’s final episode served as a poignant reminder of the connection between entertainers and their audiences, highlighting the shared experience of navigating a challenging world. As viewers bid farewell to Kimmel for the year, his heartfelt message underscored the enduring impact of community and support in difficult times.
