Stephen Colbert is overcome with emotion as Late Show pays tribute to longtime executive Amy Cole who died aged 53

Stephen Colbert choked up during a tribute for a longtime executive on his late-night talk show.

As Monday night's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert drew to a close, a title card was displayed reading 'Dedicated to our dear friend Amy Cole, 1970-2024.'

Cole, 53, died on March 31 following a battle with cancer. She worked with Colbert for nearly two decades.

The 59-year-old comedian and writer appeared stunned before simply saying, 'Good night,' and hurrying off camera.

Several members of staff have honored their late coworker on X, formerly Twitter, with some alluding to a cancer diagnosis.

Late-night host Stephen Colbert appeared overcome with emotion during Monday night's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

A title card honoring executive assistant Amy Cole, 53, appeared at the end of the episode. Cole died on March 31 after a battle with cancer

Colbert, 59, simply said, 'Good night,' before rushing off camera

Writer and producer Opus Moreschi referred to Cole as a 'beacon of light and joy and calm in the swirling chaos of our workplace,' adding, 'I am absolutely gutted that she’s gone.'

Director and producer Jake Plunkett wrote, 'Words cannot measure how big a loss Amy Cole is to this world.'

He matter-of-factly declared,  'F*** cancer.'

Both coworkers provided links to Radio Lollipop, an international charity providing care to hospitalized children.

Cole worked with the organization for over two decades, both in her native Texas and New York, and had a senior leadership role in recruiting volunteers.

'Amy’s skills as a child life specialist in Texas and her senior leadership role in recruiting volunteers for Radio Lollipop in New York played a significant role in our work,' the charity wrote.

All donations made in her name will be equally shared between the Radio Lollipop Texas and New York chapters to 'keep her amazing spirit alive in our work that she was so passionate about.'

Cole worked at children before moving from Texas to Manhattan and working as a production assistant and executive assistant

She worked with Radio Lollipop, an international charity providing care to hospitalized children, for over 20 years. The organization is accepting donations in her name to 'keep her amazing spirit alive'

Cole was born in Houston and passed away following a 'brief illness,' per an obituary.  

She studied at St. Agnes Academy, Texas Tech University and Wheelock College before working as a nanny in New Jersey.

Cole later earned her master's degree and served as a child life specialist at Texas Children's Hospital for several years.

In 2002, Cole moved to Manhattan, where she worked on a production assistant and executive assistant on shows including The Colbert Report and The Late Show.

'Working with Colbert for 16 years was more than a job to Amy,' the obituary reads.

'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 obituary describes Cole as a  'beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend and colleague' who 'expressed gratitude...always...even during difficult times.'

She is survived by her parents, sisters, nieces and nephew. 

'Her circle of friends is too numerous to begin to estimate. Once you met Amy, you were a friend for life,' the obituary states.