Jimmy Fallon Returns To ‘Tonight Show’ One Week After Mom Gloria’s Death

Jimmy Fallon recently returned to “Tonight Show” one week after his mom, Gloria Fallon, passed away.

On Monday’s episode, Fallon also paid an emotional tribute to his mom, who he called his “best audience.” In his speech, Fallon also addressed his absence from “Tonight Show” and said that it was because he had to be with his family after his mom passed on.

The funny man also recounted what it was like being raised by his mom. “When we were little, my mom would walk us to the store, me and my sister, we would hold hands and she would squeeze my hand three times to say I love you and I would squeeze I love you too,” he shared.

But while his mom was at the hospital, Fallon squeezed her hand to say “I love you,” but Gloria was unable to squeeze his hand back. The talk show host knew at that moment that “they were in trouble.”

Meanwhile, Fallon also took the opportunity to thank those who hosted “Tonight Show” while he was away. He also thanked the fans of the show for still tuning in even when he wasn’t around. “Thank you for watching. Thank you for helping me and my family recover from this loss. Mom, I’ll never stop trying to make you laugh. I love you,” he concluded.

According to E! News, Gloria passed away on Nov. 4 at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. She was just 68. Following her demise, Fallon released a statement to USA Today expressing her sadness over losing the his beloved mother. “Today, I lost my biggest fan,” he said.

The host’s spokesperson also told the publication that Fallon and his loved ones were at his mother’s bedside when she passed away.

In other news, Monday’s episode of “Tonight Show” also featured guest appearances by Jeff Daniels and Mary J. Blige. Taylor Swift also served as a musical guest, and she celebrated the success of “Reputation” by singing a song.

“Tonight Show” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. EST on NBC.