Barbra Streisand shares ‘we are going to miss you’ tribute after Colbert farewell
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Singer and actress Barbra Streisand paid tribute to comedian and television host Stephen Colbert after officially signing off from 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on Thursday, May 21.
Streisand shared a photo of the pair strolling hand in hand on Sunday, May 24, following his farewell, which ended both his 11-year run and CBS’ historic 33-year late-night franchise.
The pair first developed a close friendship after Colbert interviewed Streisand at her home in 2023. Her emotional message came days after Colbert’s final episode drew millions of viewers and sparked widespread reaction online.
Barbra Streisand shares emotional message for Stephen Colbert
In the caption of her post, she wrote, “Dear Stephen - We are going to miss you soooo much!! xo Barbra.” The tribute also recalled Streisand’s 2023 conversation with the 'The Late Show' host, during which she described the political climate as “bad” and praised former President Joe Biden, calling him “compassionate, he’s smart, he supports the right things.”
When Colbert asked what she would do if President Donald Trump returned to office, Streisand replied, “I will move, I can’t live in this country if he became president,” before adding that she would “probably” move to England because she likes the country.
Colbert also spoke with Streisand about the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States and globally. Streisand said, “It’s so sad about what’s going on today,” while stressing that people must learn to live together despite religious or cultural differences.
She continued, “We all want love in our hearts, we all want family, we all want to feel secure,” adding that the suffering of children and mothers “is beyond religion” and “insanity for us to not learn how to live together in peace.”
The legendary singer further admitted she “could easily cry” over current events and questioned, “Where is God at this time, where is he or she? Why can’t that energy stop this madness?”
She also recently criticized Trump over White House ballroom renovations, accusing him of damaging democratic values.
Posting on Threads, she wrote, “Trump lied when he said he would not disturb the existing White House for his ridiculous ballroom,” and added that “His destruction of the East Wing is symbolic of what he has done to our democracy.”
Stephen Colbert’s CBS exit sparks backlash and political debate
CBS officially attributed Colbert’s exit to financial challenges and declining advertising revenue, but critics, viewers, and Colbert himself linked the cancellation to his repeated criticism of Trump.
Speculation intensified after the network ended the show days following his remarks against Paramount over its reported $16 million settlement involving Trump.
Trump later mocked Colbert on Truth Social, writing, “Colbert is finally finished at CBS. Amazing that he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life.”
Despite the controversy, Colbert’s series finale became the most-watched weeknight episode of his entire tenure, drawing 6.74 million viewers and surpassing the audience for his 2015 debut episode.
On his final show, Colbert welcomed guests including Billy Crystal, Amy Sedaris, Robert De Niro and musical guest Bruce Springsteen, who joked, “You’re the first guy in America who lost his job because the president can’t take a joke.”
Springsteen also criticized Trump loyalist Larry Ellison and David Ellison during the appearance.
As he signed off, Colbert thanked viewers by saying, “Because we love doing this show for you, but what we really, really love is doing the show with you.”
He ended with the message, “Have a good show. Thanks for being here. And let’s do it, y’all.”
Colbert also revealed he is now working with filmmaker Peter Jackson on a new movie project based on the early chapters of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.'
