'That's heartbreaking': Internet sends condolences as Stephen Colbert chokes up on-air as he pays tribute to staffer who died

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Stephen Colbert bid an emotional farewell to Amy Cole, a longtime staff member of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.'

Mourning the loss of the late-night program's cherished member, the television host appeared emotional during the show's episode on Monday, April 1, as he signed off with a heartfelt "That's it for The Late Show, goodnight."

How did Amy Cole die?

A picture of Cole flashed before the final credits rolled and the message read, "Dedicated to Our Dear Friend Amy Cole 1970-2024." 

Cole "peacefully" died on March 31 at the age of 53 following a brief illness, according to Obituary.com.

"Amy was known for her caring nature and ability to make everyone she met feel seen and special," the site read.

"It was obvious from the beginning that her purpose in life was to take care of people, and she certainly excelled in that calling."

"Those who had the good fortune of knowing Amy experienced her as the ultimate caregiver."

"Her ability to forge lasting friendships was unparalleled, and her love for travel allowed her to spread her goodwill across the globe," the site added.

'The Late Show' staff pays tribute to Amy Cole

The message that flashed across the screen during 'The Late Show' further celebrated Cole's time on the show.

"Working with Colbert for 16 years was more than a job to Amy," read the message.

"It gave her a purpose and provided an opportunity to showcase herself as an incredible teammate to everyone involved. She was adored by her entire Late Show work family, and she will be greatly missed."

'The Late Show' staff took to social media to remember Cole who has also worked as an executive assistant and production assistant on The Colbert Report and Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn.

Writer and producer Opus Moreschi paid tribute to Cole as he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Amy Cole was a beacon of light and joy and calm in the swirling chaos of our workplace. I am absolutely gutted that she’s gone."

"Words cannot measure how big a loss Amy Cole is to this world.  F**k cancer," read the message by director and producer, Jake Plunkett.

"One of Amy's passions was helping children with cancer," he added, according to the New York Post.

Internet sends prayers and tributes to 'The Late Show' staffer Amy Cole who died

After 'The Late Show' paid tribute to Cole, netizens sent condolences to the late staffer's near and dear ones.

"Oh man…so young…that’s heartbreaking," a user wrote on X and another wrote, "I was at the taping. It was wonderful, but we were all wondering why the ending was so abrupt-were just told “It’s time to go.” By the look on Stephen’s face, it seemed he may had been given sad news. So very sorry for all who knew and loved Amy Cole."

"So sorry to hear this. Condolences to her family, work family, her friends and all who knew her," one user wrote while another tweeted, "Life is always too short, my deepest sympathy."

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