Joy Behar BREAKS DOWN in Tears on Mother’s Day—Her Emotional Tribute to Late Mother Leaves ‘The View’ in Silence!

In a moment that left both the audience and her fellow co-hosts speechless, Joy Behar, the fiery and fiercely funny co-host of The View, showed an entirely different side of herself during the show’s special Mother’s Day broadcast. Known for her sharp tongue and political quips, Joy broke down in tears as she shared a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, sparking one of the most emotionally charged moments in the show’s recent history.

What was supposed to be a celebratory morning quickly turned into an unexpected emotional rollercoaster, as Joy opened up about the woman who shaped her into the powerhouse she is today—and the loss she still carries.

A Lighthearted Start Turns Somber

The Mother’s Day episode of The View began as most would expect: laughter, warm anecdotes, and celebrity guest appearances sharing stories about motherhood. But when the panelists were asked to share personal reflections about their own mothers, Joy Behar’s tone changed noticeably.

“I didn’t think I was going to get emotional,” she began. “But it’s still hard. Even after all these years.”

Suddenly, the comedian who’s made millions laugh with her wit and sarcasm was visibly holding back tears, her voice trembling as she addressed the camera.

The Tribute That Silenced the Studio

With the studio silent and cameras fixed on her, Joy Behar poured her heart out in a touching, unrehearsed monologue about her mother, Rose Carbone, who passed away in 1997.

“She was strong. She was strict. But she had this quiet strength that held our family together,” Joy said. “I didn’t always appreciate it when I was young, but now I see… she was the glue.”

The audience, many of whom were in tears themselves, gave a hushed round of applause as Joy continued.

“There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think of her. Especially on a day like today.”

Joy Behar with her mother and aunt (1987) : r/theview

Whoopi, Sunny, and Sara Offer Support

After Joy finished her tribute, Whoopi Goldberg reached over and gently touched her arm. Sunny Hostin and Sara Haines were both wiping tears from their own eyes.

“That was beautiful, Joy,” Whoopi said softly. “You brought your mom into the room today.”

“She’d be so proud of you,” added Sunny.

For a few long moments, there was no debate, no banter, no jokes—just a deep, shared silence that resonated through the studio and into the homes of millions of viewers.

Joy’s Complicated Relationship With Her Mother

Longtime fans of Joy Behar know that her relationship with her mother wasn’t always picture-perfect. Joy has spoken candidly in past interviews about their frequent arguments, her mother’s strict Catholic values, and the tension between tradition and independence that often marked their bond.

“She didn’t always understand my choices—especially in comedy,” Joy once told People Magazine. “But she supported me anyway. In her way.”

During the Mother’s Day segment, she acknowledged this complexity:

“She didn’t always say ‘I love you.’ That wasn’t her generation. But I felt it. In the way she cooked, in the way she showed up. She was there.”

Fans React: “We’ve Never Seen Joy Like This”

Social media exploded in the aftermath of Joy’s emotional moment. Viewers flooded Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with support, using hashtags like #JoyBeharMother and #TheViewMothersDay.

“I never cry watching daytime TV,” one fan posted on X. “But Joy Behar talking about her mom got me GOOD. What a beautiful tribute.”

“You could feel her pain—and her love,” another added. “It was raw, real, and brave.”

Some fans even shared their own stories of loss, thanking Joy for “making them feel seen” on a day that can be especially painful for those who have lost their mothers.

A Rare Vulnerable Moment from a Tough Comedian

Joy Behar has built her career on boldness. Whether going toe-to-toe with politicians, sparring with controversial guests, or throwing shade at pop culture’s elite, she has always been one of The View’s most fearless voices.

But her Mother’s Day tribute reminded viewers that behind the jokes and jabs is a woman with profound depth and heart.

“It’s easy to forget that people like Joy have private pain too,” said one longtime producer. “She puts on a brave face every day. Today, she let that mask fall—and it was powerful.”

Everybody Leaves Eventually': Joy Behar Gets Real About Retiring From The  View

What This Moment Means for Joy—and The View

Sources behind the scenes at The View say Joy’s emotional moment is already being discussed as one of the most memorable segments in the show’s 27-year history. Producers are reportedly considering submitting the episode for daytime award consideration, and fans are calling for a full segment devoted to Joy’s life and legacy.

There’s also growing speculation about whether Joy, 81, is beginning to consider her final season on the show. With increasing health concerns and absences, some believe this Mother’s Day moment could be a soft signal that Joy is preparing to step away from the spotlight.

Whether that’s true or not, one thing is clear: Joy Behar reminded everyone why she remains a cornerstone of American television—not just for her intelligence, humor, or candor, but for her incredible humanity.

Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Laughter—And Love

In an era when daytime TV often focuses on scandal and spectacle, Joy Behar gave the world something rare: real emotion. Her tearful tribute to her late mother wasn’t just touching—it was transformational.

For a few moments, The View became less about debate and more about connection. And in doing so, Joy reminded us that no matter how successful or strong we may become, the loss of a parent never fully fades.

“I carry her with me,” Joy whispered through tears. “Always.”