In an emotional final monologue for 2025, Jimmy Kimmel became visibly overcome while addressing a tumultuous year. He thanked his audience for their support during a difficult period.

Kimmel referenced a challenging professional suspension that had threatened the show’s future. He credited viewers with helping to sustain the program through that uncertainty.

The year also brought profound personal grief with the loss of his bandleader and lifelong friend, Cleto Escobedo III. This personal tragedy compounded the professional strains he faced.

Kimmel reflected on the difficulty of performing comedy in a climate marked by division and exhaustion. He acknowledged the emotional toll this environment takes, even on those who provide humor.

Despite the hardships, he expressed a resilient belief in the value of empathy, humor, and persistence. His message emphasized shared human decency and connection with the audience.

The monologue concluded not with a grand declaration, but with a quiet affirmation of endurance. It highlighted the personal reality behind the public persona of a late-night host.

As the show continued, the opening moments served as a reminder of the value of showing up, both for Kimmel and for his viewers, even after a year of significant loss and change.