John Oliver pays tribute to his late dog in Emmys acceptance speech

After the solemn walk-off music started playing as John Oliver paid tribute to his late dog during his Emmy acceptance speech, the "Last Week Tonight" host couldn't help but make light of the moment: "I feel like Sarah McLachlan right now."

ABC News Digital is your daily source of breaking national and world news, exclusive interviews and 24/7 live streaming coverage.

ABC News is the home to the #1 evening newscast “World News Tonight” with David Muir, “Good Morning America,” “20/20,” “Nightline,” “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos, “ABC News Live Prime” with Linsey Davis, plus the daily news podcast “Start Here.”

Connect with ABC News on social media:

[holdonnow]

Glad someone did a tribute to their dog when celebrating their success. Dogs get us through the stress of life. They are the best and don’t get enough credit.

[farbensan]

He’s visibly brokenhearted. Our dogs may be just a portion of our lives but to them we’re their whole lives.

[bobwoods]

The loyalty and unconditional love of a dog makes it so hard when they have to go. Been over 10 years and I still miss my old girl.

[bitshtannicajohnson]

*That's what a GENUINE acceptance speech should sound like - BRAVO John, keep up the great work!*

[MirkoSick]

The cut to Jon Stewart is perfect as he had a beautiful tribute to his own dog a little while back on the daily show

[BrianWardPlus]

The way that he shamed them into stopping the music. 😂

[seanjones]

As someone who's about to lose the best dog ever after 15 years, this really hits home. They mean so much to us

[jdax]

I remember when he was "temporarily" filling in for Jon Stewart, and now he is, in my opinion, the gold standard of late night shows. I love Stewart and Colbert, but Oliver is unique even among unicorns. Bravo to him and his staff.

[keremels]

The music guy probably felt like a toad. I love John. Thank you for saying that. All dogs deserve to be thanked on stage.

[ibeetellingya]

Aw. Just lost my dog, too. An amazing soul and companion. The gratitude is deep.

[withalittlehelpfrom]

Him and Jon Stewart paying tribute to their dogs-like father, like son.

[DavidHu]

John should win an award for that speach.

[ravensdark]

That guy is the man . Rarely you hear something everybody on the planet can agree on

[andromedaspark]

A bond with a dog reminds us of the pure emotions we had as children. When we give them our hearts, they give them right back. They can be sneaky like kids, simple and destructive but also loyal, loving, protective and self-sacrificing in their devotion. People who don't see those traits in dogs haven't looked. Dogs truly are humanity's best friends. They've been with us though history and deserve recognition for what they've meant to us.

[fallen_saint]

I lost mine on Aug.30; she was absolutely the best girl and got me through the darkest parts of my life, she's the reason I'm alive today.

[calvinnme]

Both of my dogs died a long time ago and I'm still feeling this speech.

[reneelutz]

Didn't mean to cry this morning, but here I am...so many dear animals gone. Condolences to the Oliver Family; those of us who have lost a dear animal friend understand all too well.

[Sophia-yorp]

I love that he got an award he is brilliant and his tribute to his dog was so genuine. They are so missed when they leave but remain present in our hearts. Sending love to John.

[EmilyLZ]

My soul-pup just passed and I wish so very much I could give her a treat again.

RIP Charlie 🤍 12/12/13-8/25/24

[Scarlet]

The fact that they stopped the play off music over his dead pet eulogy is fucking legend in Emmys history

Thank You to the Director of the Emmys ❤