Jimmy Kimmel is a legitimate David Letterman fan. When he takes time to I'm-not-worthy bow down to the master of awkward late night comedy, he's not simply respecting his elders, he's pouring out his soul. OK, not as heavy as it sounds—Kimmel is a comedian, after all.
Tonight, Jimmy Kimmel Live! will air a rerun out of consideration to the 35-year talk show veteran's final show. And since he wouldn't be around tonight to offer his own tribute, Kimmel took a little time out of his Tuesday night episode to tell stories of watching Letterman as a kid. Kimmel chokes up 30 seconds in. It's touching.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to the post-Letterman world on Thursday, May 21. As for CBS' 11:35 P.M. slot, Stephen Colbert will step in with his yet-to-be-titled show on September 8, 2015.
For more on Letterman tributes:
Revisiting David Letterman's High Point: The Late Night 5th Anniversary Special
Let's Not Forget David Letterman's Hilarious, Innovative Morning Show
Conan O'Brien on What He Wants to See in David Letterman's Final Episode
Watch Bill Murray Pop Out of a Cake and Give Letterman a Farewell Bear Hug
