Michelle Obama Gets Candid with Stephen Colbert Amidst "The Late Show" Host's Shocking Announcement

November 05, 2025

In a recent candid conversation with Stephen Colbert, former First Lady Michelle Obama opened up about her feelings on the current state of White House norms and her life after the presidency, striking a chord with many. Her insightful commentary comes as host Stephen Colbert navigates a significant transition of his own, with the recent news of his acclaimed "The Late Show" coming to an end.

Michelle Obama, known for her grace and poise, didn't hold back in expressing a sense of being "lost" regarding the current standards at the White House during her appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Her remarks have been widely applauded for their honesty and relatability.

While discussing the pressures she faced as the first Black First Lady, Obama has previously spoken about the constant need to be perfect and the weight of that responsibility. In her conversation with Colbert, she touched upon the shift in decorum and standards, a sentiment that has resonated with many who look back at her time in the White House with nostalgia.

The former First Lady also shared lighter moments, discussing her new book, "The Look," and life with former President Barack Obama now that their daughters, Sasha and Malia, have left the nest. She humorously exclaimed, "They're gone!" expressing the newfound freedom and fun she and her husband are having together.

The End of an Era: Why is Stephen Colbert's Show Ending?

For fans of late-night television, the announcement that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will end its run in May 2026 was a significant blow. CBS has stated that the decision to cancel the show was "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night" and is not related to the show's performance or content.

Despite being the top-rated late-night show, the changing landscape of television viewership, with many opting for short clips on platforms like YouTube and TikTok over traditional hour-long broadcasts, has impacted advertising revenue. Colbert himself expressed his surprise at the cancellation, calling it "so surprising and so shocking" for a number one show to be axed.

Some have speculated about political motives behind the cancellation, especially after Colbert's sharp critiques of political figures. However, the network has maintained that the decision was financial.

Stephen Colbert: Beyond the Monologue

While his nightly monologues and witty interviews have made him a household name, Stephen Colbert's life has been shaped by profound personal tragedy.

What happened to Stephen Colbert's tragedy?

At the tender age of ten, Stephen Colbert experienced an unimaginable loss that would forever alter the course of his life. On September 11, 1974, his father, Dr. James William Colbert, Jr., and his two older brothers, Paul and Peter, were killed in a plane crash. The Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 crashed while on approach to Charlotte, North Carolina, in heavy fog.Colbert has spoken about how this early tragedy forged his humanity and empathy, traits that have become hallmarks of his comedic style. He has shared that for years, he felt the loss was his "secret name."

A Life in the Spotlight

Despite this immense loss, Colbert has built an impressive career. His sharp wit was honed on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" before he launched his own highly successful satirical news show, "The Colbert Report." In 2015, he took over as the host of "The Late Show," succeeding David Letterman.

Away from the camera, Colbert is a family man. He has been married to his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, since 1993, and they have three children: Madeline, Peter, and John. He often speaks lovingly of his wife and children, citing them as his greatest joy.

Information regarding Stephen Colbert's net worth and a comprehensive list of his movie appearances can be found through various online financial and entertainment news outlets. He was also notably youthful in his early career, a fact often highlighted in retrospective segments.

A Memorable TV Moment: The Andrew Garfield Kiss

In a lighter and widely publicized moment, actor Andrew Garfield famously kissed Stephen Colbert during an appearance on "The Late Show" in 2017.

Why did Andrew Garfield kiss Stephen Colbert?

The kiss was a spontaneous and humorous moment that came after Garfield explained a kiss he had shared with Ryan Reynolds at the Golden Globes. Garfield had kissed Reynolds to console him after he lost an award. When Colbert asked Garfield if he was comfortable kissing men, the actor responded by leaning over and planting a smooch on the host, much to the delight of the audience. The moment quickly went viral, showcasing both Garfield's playful nature and Colbert's ability to roll with the unexpected.

As Stephen Colbert prepares to bid farewell to "The Late Show," his legacy as a comedian, satirist, and empathetic host is firmly cemented. His recent interview with Michelle Obama serves as a poignant reminder of the important conversations that have taken place on his stage, conversations that have often reflected the heart and soul of a nation.