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Late-night television has witnessed countless memorable moments, but few match the personal joy that Jimmy Kimmel shared with his audience on May 20. The seasoned comedian and talk show host announced during his opening monologue that he had officially become a grandfather, marking a significant milestone in his family life.
Kimmel's 33-year-old daughter Katie welcomed her first child with husband Will Logsdon on May 19. The birth prompted Kimmel to make an unprecedented decision in his 22-year career. "We were supposed to have a show last night, but we didn't because my daughter had a baby last night," Kimmel explained to his cheering audience.
This absence marked only the second time in 22 years that Kimmel had skipped a show. The previous occurrence was for his appendix surgery, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this family event.
The newborn carries a name rich with family significance. "Her name, they gave her a very cute name. Her name is Melania," Kimmel initially joked, adding, "It's Melania Thee Stallion..." before revealing the truth. The baby's actual name is Patti Joan, with the first name spelled "like the melt, but with an 'I' not a 'Y,'" according to Kimmel.
Joan, the middle name, honors Kimmel's mother, creating a meaningful generational connection. "The baby's very healthy," Kimmel confirmed, reassuring viewers about his granddaughter's wellbeing.
The birth became a family celebration of epic proportions. "We had an army of people at the hospital, it was bigger than Coachella," Kimmel joked, describing the extensive support network present for the momentous occasion.
Kimmel's longtime sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez received special recognition for his presence. "You were such a great doula," Kimmel praised him. "You were reassuring, you were calm, your hands were soft, you were perfect. Thank you so much, on behalf of the whole family."
Katie married Will Logsdon in September 2021, a ceremony that Kimmel previously discussed with characteristic humor. "She actually turned 30 two weeks ago, which is strange to have a 30-year-old daughter," he had shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, reflecting on the surreal nature of watching his child reach such milestones. Regarding Logsdon, Kimmel expressed genuine approval. "His name is Will and he's a great guy. And if he wasn't, he'd be dead right now," he said with his typical comedic timing.
As Kimmel processed his new role, he acknowledged the weight of bringing a child into today's world. "It is kind of scary though to bring a child into this world," he admitted, noting concerns about climate change and artificial intelligence that future generations will face.
He contrasted these modern worries with his childhood fears: "The most dangerous scenario that the future had when I was a kid was quicksand, the Bermuda triangle and killer bees." This perspective shift underscores the changing landscape of generational concerns.
The arrival of Patti Joan adds another dimension to Kimmel's family, which includes Katie and son Kevin with ex-wife Gina Maddy, plus children Jane and Billy with current wife Molly McNearney.
