Jimmy Fallon showed a very different side of himself this week. He was full of real feelings, anguish, and love.
When you lose a pet, you don’t just lose an animal; you lose a loved one who loved you no matter what. Your pet will adore you no matter what. It doesn’t matter if you’re a famous person with millions of dollars in the bank or someone who lives on the streets with no money.
Jimmy Fallon, for instance, enjoyed his family’s “first baby.”
The host of the Tonight Show revealed on Instagram on Tuesday that his family had lost their beloved golden retriever, Gary. He had been a part of their life for more than 13 years and was a dear friend.
In a very personal article, Fallon talked about what Gary meant to their family. The first phrase showed how sad he was:
“She was the last name we wrote on every card we sent for her birthday.”
Then, Fallon painted a moving picture of a dog that was more than just a pet.
“She was our first baby, a therapist, a big sister, a schoolmarm, a comedian, a party girl, and a rebel.”
Along with his touching words, there was a carousel of photographs showing Gary’s wonderful life, from his happy puppy days to cozy family times.
There was a picture of Fallon lying next to her on a bright orange rug, and they both seemed very tranquil. Another picture featured Gary with his wife Nancy Juvonen, Fallon, and their daughters. They were all smiling and wearing flowers.
They met for the first time in 2017. Fallon remarked, “We miss you so much, Franny, Winnie, Mommy, and I.” He was talking about his wife Nancy Juvonen, 58, and their two kids, Franny, 10, and Winnie, 12. I can tell how lonely the house is without you. It hurts because it’s so quiet. That quiet is slowly being filled with memories of you and smiling through the tears. Thank you for everything you gave us. We can’t convey how much we miss you. “Goodnight, Gary.”
Fallon fondly remembered how Gary would leap into the water straight after a bath and then roll around on the grass, “doing bunny kicks with her tongue sticking out.” He said that her delight was the very soul of summer.
She would bend toward you and scratch you if she liked you. “If” is a liberal word; she did this for practically everyone.
Fallon told People in 2017 that he met Gary for the first time when he was a puppy.
“She came on [Fallon’s late-night show] to perform a bit. I think she was a political analyst. He remembered that they were fighting and that she was wearing a suit.
He also said when they would meet, adding,
“Juvonen and I were trying to have kids at the time, so I think this was just something to keep us busy while we worked on that.”
A lot of love from fans and friends
People soon left nice comments in Fallon’s comment section. People from all over the world, including friends, famous people, and animal lovers, conveyed their condolences.
“Actress Chrissy Metz said:
“I’m so sorry for you and your family, Jimmy.” It looks like you all made each other better in great ways. ✨🫶🏼
Andrew Huberman, a neurologist, said this:
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Jimmy [sic]. Dogs are family members. I’m sending you prayers and good thoughts.
Al Roker, a TV star who just lost his dog, said:
“We lost our furry baby last year, and it still hurts.” But what a love!
Jane Goodall’s Words from Heaven
Cheri Oteri, an actress, mentioned something that many pet owners could agree with:
“I know what love and loss are, and I’m so sorry.” They only stay with us for a short time, yet they help us open our hearts.
And Jane Goodall’s tale added, “Gary and Dr. Goodall will have a lot of fun together 🤍🌈🐾.”
Fans wrote things like,
“Gary will always watch over all of his Fallon family with a smile ❤️ [sic], and
I’m thinking about you and your family during this hard time. I loved seeing Gary’s clips over the years, especially during your Covid show. Thanks for letting us see Gary too. “🌈🐾❤️🩹💔 [sic].”
The Fallon family’s furry baby was more than a pet; they were a real part of the family, and their love will live on in their hearts. You will miss them every day, but the memories and joy they brought will stay forever. ❤️😢
