In an era where the world seems to teeter on the edge of chaos, one man has become a beacon of solace through laughter: Stephen Colbert. As the host of The Late Show, Colbert has spent over a decade blending razor-sharp satire with heartfelt empathy, guiding audiences through turbulent times. But it’s his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, who recently offered the most poignant tribute to his unique talent—“Stephen’s been making fans laugh while we’ve all been on the verge of tears,” she said in a rare interview in July 2025, calling him television’s unofficial “grief counselor.” As The Late Show nears its final season in 2026, this is the story of how Colbert has mastered the art of balancing humor and heartbreak, earning praise from the woman who knows him best.

Stephen Colbert’s journey to late-night stardom is well-documented. From his breakout days on The Daily Show to the Emmy-winning The Colbert Report, he redefined political satire with his larger-than-life persona. When he took over The Late Show from David Letterman in 2015, expectations were astronomical. Early on, he faced challenges adapting to the broader talk-show format, but by 2025, Colbert had solidified his place as the king of late-night. For nine consecutive seasons, The Late Show has been the highest-rated late-night talk show, with Nielsen data from July 2025 showing a four-year viewership high of 2.417 million. His ability to connect with audiences, especially in the 18-49 demographic, has outpaced rivals like Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, cementing his dominance.

What sets Colbert apart, however, isn’t just ratings—it’s his uncanny ability to navigate the nation’s emotional landscape. Evelyn’s praise came during a reflective moment in a Vanity Fair interview, where she described how Stephen has become a pillar for viewers grappling with collective grief. “We’ve been through so much—elections, pandemics, wars—and Stephen’s there, night after night, making sense of it all,” she said. “He’s not just telling jokes; he’s holding space for us to feel, to laugh, to cry.” Her words resonate as The Late Show approaches its announced finale in May 2026, a decision that has stunned fans and sparked an emotional outpouring.

Colbert’s role as a “grief counselor” became evident during pivotal moments. In 2020, his monologues from a makeshift home studio during the COVID-19 pandemic offered comfort amid uncertainty, blending humor with raw vulnerability. His 2024 election coverage, including live specials, tackled divisive politics with wit and wisdom, earning viral clips on X and TikTok. But it’s his handling of tragedy that stands out. After mass shootings, global conflicts, or personal losses—like the death of his friend Amy Cole in 2019—Colbert has delivered monologues that weave humor with profound empathy. “He’ll crack a joke, and then you’re crying, but somehow it feels okay,” Evelyn noted, capturing his gift for emotional alchemy.

This talent stems from Colbert’s own experiences with grief. At age 10, he lost his father and two brothers in a plane crash, a tragedy that shaped his worldview. In a 2015 GQ interview, he spoke of finding joy in pain, a philosophy that permeates his work. “Stephen’s been through darkness, and he knows how to guide others through it,” Evelyn said. Her praise highlights moments like his 2023 monologue after a school shooting, where he called for gun reform while sharing a story about his son’s fear at school drills, striking a chord with millions.

Evelyn’s role in Stephen’s success cannot be overstated. Married since 1993, the couple’s bond is a cornerstone of his resilience. Evelyn, an actress and producer, has been a creative partner, from co-producing The Late Show’s pandemic episodes to collaborating on their 2024 cookbook, Does This Taste Funny?. Her 2023 heroism—insisting Stephen seek hospital care for a ruptured appendix—saved his life, a story that made headlines. In her Vanity Fair interview, she described watching Stephen perform after that health scare: “He was back on stage, making people laugh, while I was still processing how close we came to losing him. That’s who he is.”

Colbert’s ability to connect extends beyond the screen. His “Colbert Questionnaire” segment, where guests like Michelle Obama or Tom Hanks share personal anecdotes, has become a fan favorite, revealing his knack for intimacy. Musical performances, from Paul Simon to Coldplay, add levity, while viral segments like “Meanwhile” keep younger audiences hooked. As The Late Show faces its end, Emmy buzz is at an all-time high, with Gold Derby predicting a 65% chance of winning Outstanding Variety Talk Series in 2025—a first for Colbert’s tenure. The cancellation, announced by CBS in July 2025 amid Paramount Global’s cost-cutting, has only amplified his cultural impact.

Evelyn’s “grief counselor” label also reflects Colbert’s broader influence. He’s inspired comedians like Samantha Bee and John Oliver, who credit his satire for reshaping the genre. His advocacy for veterans and education, alongside Evelyn’s work with the Montclair Film Festival, adds depth to their legacy. Fans on X have dubbed him “America’s therapist,” with posts praising his ability to “make us laugh when the world feels heavy.” As the Mark Twain Prize looms—recently awarded to peers like Conan O’Brien—Colbert’s name is whispered as a future contender.

The final season promises to be a masterclass in closure. Colbert has vowed to deliver “the best episodes yet,” and viewership is surging, with post-cancellation episodes hitting new demo highs. Evelyn’s words linger as a testament to his gift: “He’s making fans laugh while we’ve all been on the verge of tears.” Whether it’s an Emmy win or a heartfelt finale, Colbert’s legacy as TV’s grief counselor is secure. Don’t miss his final act—it’s a masterclass in laughter and love.