Sure, Jimmy Fallon had some awkward interviews, and he's given flack by fans for using a fake laugh - nonetheless, the host has had more than a few special moments on the show. The one we'll discuss today, features a surprise performance by Taylor Swift a few years back in 2017. Not only was Fallon sobbing, but the entire room was extremely emotional. Let's look back on what went down.
What Happened Between Taylor Swift And Jimmy Fallon On The 'Tonight Show'?
It was an emotional return to the 'Tonight Show' for Jimmy Fallon back in 2017, as he was mourning the loss of his mother. He started off the show with an emotional tribute, discussing his mom's final days.
"When we were little, my mum would walk us to the store—me and my sister—and we would hold hands. And she would squeeze my hand three times and say, 'I love you,' and I would squeeze back, 'I love you, too.' Last week I was in the hospital, at her side. I grabbed her hand and I squeezed, 'I love you,' and I just knew we were in trouble."
Fallon would conclude the emotional monologue by stating that he would never stop making his mom laugh.
"We are going to continue to work hard to bring life and laughter into the world. Thank you for watching. Thank you for helping me and my family recover from this loss. Mom, I'll never stop trying to make you laugh," Jimmy said. "I love you."
Things would get even more emotional when Taylor Swift showed up at the last minute, putting on a moving tribute in memory of the host's mom.
Jimmy Fallon Got Emotional Over Taylor Swift's Added Lyrics
Not only was the performance an emotional one, but as 'Tonight Show' writer Mike DiCenzo revealed, Taylor's involvement on the show was a last minute type of arrangement.
"A quick word about Taylor Swift. She was not scheduled to do our show today. But we wanted something special for this first show back, so we asked her on a complete whim, since she had been in town doing SNL. She said yes with zero hesitation. She sang 'New Year's Day.' No one had heard it. Suddenly she sings the line, 'Squeeze my hand 3 times in the back of the taxi.' I nearly gasped. Tears," he wrote. "I think everyone in the audience started sobbing."
It was a beautiful moment and one that had everyone sobbing, not only Fallon but the entire audience as well.
"I could see Jimmy silhouetted at his desk dabbing his eyes with a tissue. We all lost it. It was a beautiful coincidence in a beautiful performance. 'Hold on to your memories, they will hold on to you,' Taylor sang."
Fallon and his mother were extremely close, and she held a close relationship with a lot of the crew backstage. It truly was a tough moment for everyone involved, but Swift managed to make it something special. Of course, fans were applauding Swift for her special song.
What Did The Fans Think Of The Emotional Moment?
The emotional song has a near 10 million views on YouTube. In the comment section, fans were praising Swift for giving the performance, especially given that she showed up so last minute.
"This was a last minute call, but Taylor didn’t even hesitate to come to pay respects to Jimmy. This woman is so genuinely kind that I cannot believe for the life of me, how people could hate her."
"I absolutely love how Tay never breaks the hug first. She herself has said that she does that because she doesn't know how long the other person needs that hug."
"If anyone was wondering why Jimmy was crying after that song it’s because the line Taylor says “squeeze my hand three times in the backseat” is really hard for Jimmy because his mom passed away the week before and he says that she used to squeeze his hand three times before school meaning “I love you."
A special moment and one Jimmy Fallon won't forget.
