Jimmy Fallon Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Beloved Dog Gary: ‘She Was the Last Name We Signed on Every Birthday Card’

Late-night host Jimmy Fallon, known for his energetic comedy and quick wit, revealed a deeply emotional side this week as he paid tribute to his golden retriever, Gary, who passed away after more than 13 years with his family.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Fallon remembered Gary as more than just a pet — she was a cherished family member, a fixture in their home, and a constant source of comfort and joy. The post, accompanied by a series of personal photos, offered an intimate look at the bond between Fallon and his beloved dog.

“She was the last name we signed on every birthday card,” Fallon wrote. “She was our first baby. She was a therapist, a pillow, a comedian, a napkin, a gift-giver, a swimmer, a garbage disposal, a face-licker, a rascal, a vacuum, a cuddle-bug, and a true sidekick.”

The tribute included snapshots of Gary over the years — from playful puppy antics to peaceful moments with Fallon, his wife Nancy Juvonen, and their daughters, Winnie and Franny. One poignant image showed Fallon lying next to Gary, his face close to hers in a quiet, tender moment. Other photos captured Gary rolling in the grass, lounging at home, and soaking up sunlit days that defined summer for the family.

Fallon described how much quieter their home feels now, and how they’re holding on to memories to help fill the silence. He shared funny anecdotes about Gary’s mischievous streak — like jumping into the pool immediately after a bath — and her affectionate habits that made her beloved by everyone she met.

“She’d let you put a hat on her and hold her like a baby,” Fallon wrote. “She loved belly rubs and bread and peanut butter. She made our lives better. She taught our kids how to love.”

The Fallon family first met Gary during a comedy sketch in 2017, a time when Fallon and his wife were trying to start a family. What began as a spontaneous encounter quickly turned into a lasting bond. Gary became a light in their lives, especially during challenging moments.

“We got Gary when we were struggling to have a baby. And she gave us hope and distraction and love,” Fallon wrote in the post.

After sharing the heartbreaking news, Fallon’s post was met with an outpouring of sympathy and love. Fans, friends, and fellow celebrities filled the comments section with messages of support, sharing their own stories of pet loss and honoring Gary’s memory.

Among the responses were notes from fellow talk-show hosts, actors, and comedians who had met Gary or seen her featured in Fallon’s home videos and social media posts over the years. Many shared how they had come to love her through their screens, describing her as a “ray of sunshine” and “one of the greats.”

For Fallon, the loss is personal and profound. In Gary, he saw a companion that mirrored the best of life’s small joys — unfiltered love, playful silliness, and unwavering loyalty. As he and his family grieve, Fallon’s words offer a reminder of the impact pets have on our lives and hearts.

“We’ll never forget her,” he wrote. “She made us laugh. She made us cry. And now, she’s gone — but she’ll always be with us. We love you, Gary.”

The tribute serves as a moving reminder that behind the glitz of celebrity life, there are ordinary, beautiful relationships that define who we are. In saying goodbye to Gary, Jimmy Fallon showed the world that love — whether human or animal — is worth celebrating, worth mourning, and never truly gone.