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Legendary entertainer Bette Midler brought laughter, warmth, and a touch of Middle-earth magic to “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” delivering a memorable musical tribute that blended humor, gratitude, and pop culture references. The segment, which quickly became a viral sensation, showcased Midler’s wit and Colbert’s enduring impact on late-night television. Here’s a closer look at the unforgettable moment and what it reveals about both stars.

Stephen Colbert kicked off the segment by welcoming Bette Midler, whose storied career includes iconic roles in “Hocus Pocus,” “The First Wives Club,” and “The Fabulous Four.” The audience erupted in cheers as Midler took the stage, radiating her trademark charisma

Midler wasted no time expressing heartfelt thanks to Colbert for his nine and a half years at the helm of “The Late Show.” She acknowledged his role as a “voice of sanity, reason, honesty, and most importantly, honor” in an era often lacking those qualities.

“I would not have made it through without you. I really wouldn’t have. You were a voice of sanity and reason and honesty and most important, honor.”

Colbert, touched by the praise, responded with his signature blend of humility and humor, setting the stage for what was to come.

In a nod to Colbert’s well-known love for “The Lord of the Rings,” Midler performed a custom version of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” reimagined as “Did You Ever Know That You’re My Frodo?” The lyrics were both hilarious and poignant, referencing Colbert’s integrity (“You never kissed the orange ass”) and his role as a guiding figure (“I hold you high as the great eagles”).

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– “Did you ever know that you’re my Frodo? You stand for what’s right with wit and class.”
– “You never kissed the orange ass.”
– “Fly, fly, fly away like Gandalf’s golden wings. Thank God for you, the Lord of all our rings.”

The audience responded with thunderous applause, and Colbert, visibly moved, joked about not getting a kiss from Midler, to which she playfully replied, “This is the best part.”

Midler credited Eric Kornfeld for writing most of the song, and shared a humorous anecdote about her son-in-law dubbing Colbert “the King of ‘Lord of the Rings.’” This personal touch added depth to the tribute, highlighting the genuine affection and respect between the two entertainers.

The conversation shifted to Midler’s experiences working with fellow comedy icon Lily Tomlin in the 1988 film “Big Business.” Midler recounted her advice to Tomlin to “lighten up,” which led to a memorable moment of laughter on set. She also shared her on-the-job learning experience of milking a real cow for the film, delighting Colbert and the audience with her vivid description.

The segment concluded with playful banter about raw milk and E. coli, as Colbert quipped, “Who doesn’t like E. coli among friends?” The lighthearted exchange was a fitting end to a segment filled with humor, nostalgia, and sincere appreciation.

Bette Midler’s serenade was more than just a performance—it was a tribute to Stephen Colbert’s legacy as a late-night host who combines intelligence, integrity, and wit. By casting Colbert as her Frodo, Midler underscored the importance of standing for what’s right, even in turbulent times. As Colbert prepares for new adventures, fans can be sure that his journey, like Frodo’s, will be remembered for its courage, humor, and heart.