Jimmy Kimmel admits 'hard year' in emotional final monologue

Jimmy Kimmel broke down in tears during emotional year-end monologue

The 58-year-old host began the monologue of the December 18 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! with tears and looked back on the tough year he has had both personally and professionally.

“It’s been a hard year. We’ve had some lows, we’ve had some highs. For me, maybe more than any year of my life," he started to say when his voice choked up. "I’m crying already, I’m sorry."

Recalling the six-day suspension of the show in the month of September, Jimmy continued, "On behalf of all of us at the show, I just want to say that we appreciate your support, your enthusiasm, and not just for watching — this year, you literally pulled us out of a hole."

"And we cannot thank you enough personally, professionally," he told his audience.

Jimmy also articulated his thoughts on the broader role of late-night shows during uncertain times.

"When I hear from people who tell me that they watch our show, and the shows that my friends and colleagues do on the other channels, and that it makes them feel less crazy, it makes me feel less crazy too, and I think that's an important thing."

He also has a message for viewers outside of the U.S., Jimmy said, "A lot of us are not okay with what is happening. There is still much more good in this country than bad, and we hope that you will bear with us during this extended psychotic episode that we’re in the middle of.”