This year’s National Daughters’ Day at the Kimmel household felt different.

Fresh off his return to late-night, Jimmy Kimmel celebrated his daughters in ways that reflected their distinct stages of life.

A quiet evening with his grown daughter Katie, and a backyard party for little Jane.

And then came the highlight: a surprise his daughters had secretly prepared for their fatherโ€”it left Kimmel laughing, teary-eyed, and declaring it one of the most unforgettable days of his lifeย 

Jimmy Kimmel Marks National Daughtersโ€™ Day With Heartfelt Family Celebration After Tumultuous Year

Jimmy Kimmel had more reason than ever to cherish National Daughtersโ€™ Day this year. After enduring a turbulent stretch marked by the abrupt suspension ofย Jimmy Kimmel Live!ย and his triumphant, record-breaking return to television, the late-night host turned the day into a deeply personal reminder of what matters most: family.

Kimmel, 56, is a father to two daughters from different stages of his lifeโ€”31-year-old Katie, an accomplished artist, and 9-year-old Jane, whom he shares with wife Molly McNearney. The significant age gap has often shaped the way he celebrates fatherhood, and this year he made sure both girls felt honored in ways that spoke to who they are today.

For Katie, Kimmel planned a private dinner at her favorite Los Angeles spot, where the two shared wine and long conversations about navigating creativity and resilienceโ€”topics that resonated even more strongly after the public chaos surrounding his show. Katie later posted a photo of her dad raising a glass with her, captioning it, โ€œProud to be your daughter every day, not just today.โ€

Janeโ€™s celebration took on a more playful tone. Kimmel surprised her at home with balloons, a backyard movie night, and her favorite candy. โ€œShe doesnโ€™t care about ratings or networksโ€”she just wants her dad to watch cartoons with her,โ€ he joked to friends, reflecting on the innocence and joy she brings him during uncertain times.

Unbeknownst to Kimmel, his daughters had been plotting a surprise all morning. Jane and Katie had crafted a homemade โ€œWelcome Back, Daddy!โ€ banner, complete with glitter, drawings, and inside jokes only the three of them shared. They even rehearsed a little skit, joking about his brief time off the air and teasing him about the chaos of late-night TV. When Kimmel finally spotted the banner, his eyes welled up, and laughter mixed with tears as he hugged them tightly, realizing the depth of their love and support.

Those close to Kimmel say the day carried a different weight this year. Having faced calls for cancellation and then seeing his return episode pull in over 6.26 million live viewers, Kimmel has leaned more on his family than ever. โ€œThis isnโ€™t just about coming back to TV,โ€ one insider noted. โ€œItโ€™s about realizing what he almost lost and holding onto what canโ€™t be taken away.โ€

While the comedian is back at work, his daughters remain front and center. โ€œNational Daughtersโ€™ Day felt like the right time to stop, breathe, and remember that before anything else, Iโ€™m their dad,โ€ Kimmel reportedly told a colleague.