Conan O’Brien’s parents, Dr. Thomas O’Brien and Ruth Reardon O’Brien, have passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, wit, and what we can only assume is a shared knack for impeccable timing. Married for a staggering 66 years (a length of time that would make even the most seasoned Hollywood couple squirm), the duo decided that even in their final bow, they’d remain the ultimate tag team.
Dr. Thomas O’Brien, a spry 95 years old, passed away on Monday, December 9, after his health began to falter—because, let’s be honest, being alive that long is exhausting. His wife, Ruth, 92, took one look at the situation, said, “Well, I’m not sticking around for this part of the show,” and passed peacefully on Thursday, December 12. Talk about synchronized life goals.
The Boston Globe noted that Thomas had been in declining health, while Ruth’s obituary, shared by the Bell-O’Dea Funeral Home in Brookline, Massachusetts, described her departure as “peaceful.” Peaceful? Of course, it was. Ruth probably packed snacks, handed out detailed itineraries for the afterlife, and scheduled a meeting with St. Peter within minutes of her arrival.
The couple, who raised six children—including Conan, the ginger-haired 61-year-old comedian and former late-night host—clearly mastered not just longevity but also the art of sticking together through literally everything.
While Conan hasn’t yet commented publicly about the loss of his parents, we can only imagine the bittersweet cocktail of emotions he’s juggling. On one hand, saying goodbye to your parents is heart-wrenching. On the other, knowing they refused to be apart even in their final chapter? That’s the kind of love that deserves a standing ovation (and probably a Netflix special).
In the meantime, let’s raise a glass to Thomas and Ruth O’Brien: proof that love, humor, and impeccable timing are the ultimate family traits. Our thoughts—and maybe a few chuckles at the sheer poetic symmetry of it all—are with Conan and his family during this time.
