Jimmy Fallon Says Goodbye To Close Pal In Heart-Breaking Tribute Post

Jimmy Fallon is mourning a devastating loss at home. "The Tonight Show" host revealed that his beloved dog, Gary, has passed away after 13 and a half years with the Fallon family. The 51-year-old comedian took to Instagram on Monday to share a touching tribute to his Labrador, alongside photos of his wife Nancy Juvonen and daughters Frances “Franny” and Winnie, remembering the pup as so much more than just a pet. In his heartfelt post, Fallon described Gary as “the last name we signed on every birthday card,” and “our first baby.” He went on to lovingly detail the many roles Gary played in their family’s life, “a therapist, a pillow, a big sister, a schoolmarm, a comedian, a party girl, and a rebel.”

The late-night host added that while Gary wasn’t exactly a watchdog, joking that “she would have let burglars in and shown them where we kept the bacon and American cheese slices," she had a personality that filled their home with joy. He also recalled her endless enthusiasm and affectionate nature, writing, “She loved a good scratch and would lean into you if she liked you, though ‘if’ is generous. She did this for basically everyone.”

Sharing sweet and funny anecdotes, Fallon painted a vivid picture of life with Gary. The "Saturday Night Live" alum remembered how she would immediately jump into the pool “right after being shampooed and dried,” only to splash around in the water before lying in the grass, “doing bunny kicks with her tongue sticking out.”

“That meant summer to me,” Fallon wrote, reflecting on the pure joy Gary brought to their lives. “Thirteen and a half years, we were lucky to have with you.”

The emotional post ended on a note that resonated with pet owners everywhere. Fallon admitted the house feels empty without Gary, writing, “The house misses you. The house is so quiet. The quiet is so loud.”

Still, he found comfort in the memories she left behind. “That quiet is slowly being filled with stories about you and laughter amongst the sniffles,” he shared. “Thank you for everything. Gosh, we miss you so much. Goodnight, Gary.”

Long before becoming the heart of the Fallon household, Gary made her television debut on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." In a 2017 interview with PEOPLE, Fallon recalled that the Labrador puppy first appeared on the show for a comedy sketch, playing, of all things, a political pundit. “She came out on the show to do a bit,” Fallon explained at the time. “I think she was a political pundit. I was having a debate with her, and she was dressed in a suit.”

The moment was pure Fallon, a mix of chaos, charm, and comedy, and it ended up changing his life. Gary not only “won the debate,” but also her future dad’s heart. Fallon said the puppy entered their lives at just the right moment, as he and wife Nancy Juvonen were trying to start a family. “We were trying to have kids at the time, so I think this was just a thing to kind of distract us while we were working on that,” he told the outlet.

As for her name? Fallon revealed that Gary’s on-air character was originally named Gary Frick Jr., and the name just stuck. His wife made sure of it, jokingly telling him, “You have to call it Gary.”

“She’s a girl named Gary,” Fallon laughed, remembering how the bit quickly turned into one of the most meaningful relationships of his life.

For Jimmy Fallon, Gary wasn’t just a pet; she was part of every milestone, memory, and laugh his family shared for more than a decade. From her goofy late-night TV debut to lazy summer days in the backyard, Gary embodied everything Fallon’s fans love about him: warmth, humor, and a heart that never takes life too seriously.