Jimmy Kimmel is heading out for the summer — and he’s leaving one of President Donald Trump‘s favorite sparring partners behind to fill his seat.
The late-night host revealed during Thursday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! that he’ll be taking a voluntary two-month break from the ABC series.
“I hope you’re paying attention this summer, because I will be taking the next two months off — this time voluntarily,” he said, jokingly nodding to the controversy that sidelined the show last year following his comments about reactions to the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
ABC says a rotating roster of guest hosts will take over beginning the week of July 6. Tiffany Haddish will lead things off, followed by Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo and Jelly Roll.
Kimmel also shared that comedian Rosie O’Donnell will be among those stepping in while he’s away, delivering the news with a wink toward the White House.
“And as a special treat for our commander in chief, I asked one of his all-time favorites, Rosie O’Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming,” Kimmel said. “You’re welcome, and all I ask in return, Mr. President, is that you don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.”
The host’s extended vacation arrives less than a year after Jimmy Kimmel Live! disappeared from ABC’s lineup for nearly a week. The move followed Kimmel’s September 15 monologue, in which he criticized some Republicans over their response to Kirk’s death.
The remarks quickly became a political flashpoint. Several prominent Republicans condemned Kimmel, while FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened regulatory action. The show’s temporary removal also sparked demonstrations outside Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and ABC’s New York headquarters, where supporters argued the suspension raised broader concerns about free speech.
When Kimmel returned on September 23, he opened the show with an emotional response to the controversy.
“You understand it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” he said, referring to Kirk. “I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”
Viewers tuned in in large numbers for the comeback episode, which drew more than 6 million total viewers. During the monologue, Kimmel also used the moment to defend free expression.
“This show is not important,” Kimmel said. “What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”
