Jimmy Fallon is mere days away from taking over the helm of the good ship The Tonight Show, but he’s not afraid to show a little gratitude to the man who came before him. While appearing on the Jay Leno version of the series for one final time before the host bids adieu to the series on Thursday, Fallon took his textbook charm and positivity to the chair before writing up a bunch of his signature “Thank You Notes” in honor of Leno. Everybody together now: awwwwwwwww.
The current host of Late Night — who’s also passing the torch himself, to future host and Saturday Night Live alum Seth Meyers — went above and beyond in his missives to the host, showcasing his signature gratitude and peppy silliness.
"Thank you, Jay Leno, for passing the torch to me," he said. "Hopefully it doesn't get intercepted by a Seahawk."
"Thank you, Jay, for teaching me how to be a late-night host. But was it really necessary for me to 'wax on-wax off' your entire car collection? I didn't know I was going to get Miyagi-ed when I came out here."
"Thank you, Jay, for giving me such great advice for The Tonight Show like you don't need a monologue, and 'Have you ever thought about getting bangs?'"
"And finally, thank you, Jay Leno, for carrying on the proud tradition of The Tonight Show host with such humor and class and for being nothing but gracious and generous to me over the past years. I will do my best to make you proud every single night."
Leno, perhaps all-too-appreciative of Fallon’s respect and congeniality in this situation — as compared to his last outing with Conan O’Brien — shook Fallon's hand and said, "I think you'll do a great job; I couldn't be happier for you, buddy” before cutting to commercial.
The show of respect and admiration between the two hosts is a continuation of a theme between the duo in order to ensure the transition is a success. This has led Leno and Fallon to work together on several videos and other funny-doings to highlight the “zero animosity allowed” policy that they’ve seemed to have drummed up this go-around. With Leno’s final show scheduled for this upcoming Thursday — with a Fallon entrance to occur on February 17th — expect to see a lot more of these emotionally laced odes to the host in the coming days.
