Jon Stewart Tears Up During Stephen Colbert's 'Thank You'

Colbert bid the host goodbye by using a Lord of the Rings metaphor, saying he was the character Sam while Stewart was Frodo because, “Jon, one of us is adult size and does not have hairy toes.” He continued the metaphor: “For 16 years, you and your basic cable fellowship of funny clutched that ring of power… a power to be a player in the world of media and Washington politics.”

Then before Stewart could toss to a commercial, Colbert stopped him in what seemed to be a surprise moment for the host. Stewart tried squirming away to avoid what he knew would be an earnest moment of appreciation and praise. Colbert started a heartfelt thank you to Jon saying, “You said to me and to many other people here many years ago, never to thank you because we owe you nothing. It is one of the few times I’ve known you to be dead wrong.” Colbert’s words caused Stewart to visibly tear up. Colbert added, “All of us who were lucky enough to work with you for 16 years are better at our jobs because we got to watch you do yours. And we are better people for having known you. You are a great artist and a good man.”