Jimmy Kimmel, the popular late-night television host, celebrated a significant milestone in his life: he has officially become a grandfather. Jimmy Kimmel announced this happy development during the May 20 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He was fresh from the red carpet of The Alliance For Women In Media Foundation’s 50th Annual Gracie Awards Gala which took place at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Kimmel’s oldest daughter, Katie Kimmel, and her husband, Will, recently celebrated the arrival of their first child, a baby girl named Patti Joan. The name is indeed special, as it honors Kimmel’s mother, Joan, who has since become a great-grandmother. Kimmel’s father is 31-year-old Kevin Kimmel from his first marriage. With his second wife, writer-producer Molly McNearney, he has two younger children, Billy and Jane.
Kimmel missed last night’s show so he could welcome his granddaughter into the world. In his remarks, he shared his sense of excitement and responsibility as he begins this new journey.
“Katie and her husband Will had a baby girl right at the time we shoot our show last night, so I decided to be there instead of here,” – Jimmy Kimmel
At the Gracie Awards Gala, Kimmel’s friend and frequent roast-master Sarah Silverman welcomed Kimmel to grandparenthood with all sorts of weird gifts. Their gifts were a penny, a button, some string, a sweet and a safety pin.
“This is for your pockets, it’s your, you know, basic grandpa gift,” – Sarah Silverman
Kimmel wielded that powerful light humorously as he sarcastically and truthfully recalled stories from his own grandfathers during the gala. As he did so, he told us about one grandfather who would cut his own hair with a cigarette lighter. Speaking of that new role, he recently realized that now it is incumbent upon him to pass down their lessons learned to his grandchildren.
“Every one of those stories is true, so I have to figure out something weird to teach my grandkids,” – Jimmy Kimmel
The comfort of family enveloped Katie as she spent six weeks in the hospital. She had the reportedly around her as she brought her daughter into the world. Though bittersweet in her departure, this joyous moment nonetheless represents a new beginning for Katie. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel dives head-first and with both feet into his new role as doting grandpa.
