This week, Jimmy Fallon stepped away from the jokes and the comedy desk to share something profoundly personal with the world—a heartbreak that millions of pet owners understand all too well.
When you lose a pet, you’re not just losing an animal. You’re losing a companion who loved you without conditions, without judgment, without ever asking for anything in return. Whether you’re hosting a late-night talk show or just trying to get through the day, that love doesn’t discriminate. It’s pure, and it’s constant.
For Fallon and his family, that love had a name: Gary.
On Tuesday, the Tonight Show host turned to Instagram with news that hit hard. Gary, the family’s golden retriever and companion of more than thirteen years, had passed away.
What followed wasn’t just an announcement—it was a tribute.
“She was the last name we signed on every birthday card,” Fallon wrote, setting the tone for a post that would resonate with anyone who’s ever considered their pet part of the family.
He continued, describing Gary as “our first baby, a therapist, a pillow, a big sister, a schoolmarm, a comedian, a party girl and a rebel.”
The post included a series of snapshots capturing Gary’s journey through life—from her earliest puppy days to quiet, contented moments curled up with the people she loved most. One photo showed Fallon stretched out beside her on a bright orange rug, both looking utterly peaceful. Another captured Gary surrounded by his wife, Nancy Juvonen, and their two daughters, everyone smiling, flowers tucked behind ears.
A Goodbye That Hurts
Addressing his daughters Franny, 10, and Winnie, 12, along with his wife Nancy, 58, Fallon’s words turned even more tender.
“Franny, Winnie, Mommy, and I miss you so much. The house feels emptier without you, so quiet that it almost hurts. Slowly, that quiet is being filled again with memories of you and laughter between the tears. Thank you for everything you gave us. We miss you more than words can say. Goodnight, Gary.”
He went on to recall the little quirks that made Gary unforgettable—how she’d jump straight into the pool right after getting a bath, then roll around in the grass “doing bunny kicks with her tongue sticking out.” Those moments, he said, came to symbolize summer in their household.
“She loved a good scratch and would lean into you if she liked you, though ‘if’ is generous — she did this for basically everyone.”
How Gary Became Family
Back in 2017, Fallon told People magazine the story of how Gary first came into their lives.
“She came out on [the show] to do a bit. I think she was a political pundit. I was having a debate with her, and she was dressed in a suit,” he remembered with a smile.
The timing, he explained, was significant.
“At the time, [Nancy and I] were trying to have kids, so I think this was just a thing to kind of distract us while we’re working on that.”
What started as a distraction became something so much more.
An Outpouring of Sympathy
Once the post went live, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Friends, fellow celebrities, and complete strangers flooded the comments with messages of support.
Actress Chrissy Metz offered her condolences:
“I am so sorry to you and your family, Jimmy. 💔 Sure sounds like you were all beautifully changed by one another. ✨🫶🏼”
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman wrote:
“So very sorry for your loss Jimmy. Dogs are family. Sending thoughts and prayers.”
TV host Al Roker, who recently experienced his own loss, shared his understanding:
“We lost our fur baby last year and it still hurts. But what love!”
Words From the Heart
Actress Cheri Oteri captured the bittersweet reality of loving a pet:
“I know that Love and loss and I’m so sorry. We only get them for a short time but they come to open our hearts 🐾❤️”
Even Jane Goodall’s official account joined in with a touching message: “Gary and Dr. Goodall will have great adventures together 🤍🌈🐾”
Fans added their own voices to the chorus:
“Gary will continue to watch over all his Fallon Family forever smiling ❤️”
“Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I loved seeing clips of Gary over the years especially during your Covid show thanks for sharing Gary with us too. 🌈🐾❤️🩹💔”
Gary wasn’t just the Fallons’ pet—she was family in every sense of the word. Though the days ahead will feel her absence, the memories she created and the joy she spread will remain forever. ❤️😢
