Jimmy Fallon Announces Death of His Family’s ‘First Baby’
Jimmy Fallon and his family are mourning the loss of their golden retriever, Gary, a companion who had been part of their lives for more than 13 years. In a moving Instagram post, the talk show host paired a carousel of family photos with a remembrance that reads like a love letter. It opens with a line that captures the depth of her place in their home: “She was the last name we signed on every birthday card.”
He continued with a tender litany of roles that only the most cherished loved ones fill: “She was our first baby, a therapist, a pillow, a big sister, a schoolmarm, a comedian, a party girl and [sic] a rebel.” The images—quiet cuddles on the rug, carefree summer days by the pool, and throwbacks to puppyhood—trace a life woven through the rhythms of family milestones. As Fallon reflected on the sudden quiet, his words underscored the absence: “The house misses you. The house is so quiet. The quiet is so loud.”
The tribute conveys a fully lived personality. Described as “always smiling even when she slept,” Gary was no guard dog; she preferred joyful chaos. Fallon recalled how, fresh from a bath, she would leap into the pool, paddle with abandon, then roll in the grass, “doing bunny kicks with her tongue sticking out.” He added a portrait of her infinite friendliness: “She loved a good scratch and would lean into you if she liked you, though ‘if’ is generous — she did this for basically everyone,” a reminder of the gentle openness that endeared her to all.
The message closes with an intimate farewell: “Franny, Winnie, Mommy and [sic] I miss you. The house misses you […] Thank you for everything. Gosh, we miss you so much. Goodnight, Gary.” It is a sober, deeply personal moment from a performer known for levity—one that reveals the quiet center of a family grieving, together, for the pet who helped knit them into one.
As the post spread, a wave of responses began to gather—messages from fans and fellow public figures alike—signaling that this goodbye resonated far beyond Fallon’s home.