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'I'll be there for you': Charlie Puth leaves fans in tears with moving tribute to 'FRIENDS' star Matthew Perry during Emmys 2024

Matthew Perry honored at Emmys 2024 as touching cover of ‘Friends’ theme song plays during in memoriam tribute segment

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Matthew Perry got an emotional in-memoriam tribute at the Emmys 2024. Fans were in tears when Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty closed out the 75th Primetime Awards' In Memoriam section by singing the 'Friends' theme song in honor of Matthew.

The Television Academy paid tribute to the late 'Friends' star with a rendition of the theme song, "I'll Be There for You," by Charlie. Charlie, a big 'Friends' fan, had previously sung the popular song at an Australian event only days following Matthew's death.

On X, fans wrote, "When the In Memoriam transitioned from “See You Again” to “I’ll Be There For You” before it showed Matthew Perry." Another user chimed in, "Watching all these ppl who passed away in the memorial especially Matthew Perry."

One user noted, "having Charlie Puth perform during the In Memoriam tribute and me thinking he was gonna sing See You Again for the 2764th time but he sang the Friends theme song instead and the tribute ended with Matthew Perry." A fourth user tweeted, "matthew perry’s part OH PICK ME UP OFF THE FLOOR IM UNWELL." 

A part of the clip did go viral as one quoted, "I was not ready for Matthew Perry at the end." Surprised fans wrote, "Me seeing Charlie puth perform See you Again for the 100th time and then seeing Lance Reddick, Matthew Perry, and Angus cloud on the screen. This memoriam caught me by surprise." 

How did Matthew Perry die?

Matthew died on October 28, 2023, after being discovered unresponsive in his pool. He was 54.

The Los Angeles County Coroner later announced that the 'Whole Nine Yards' actor died as a result of ketamine's acute effects. The postmortem report also mentioned drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid used to treat addiction, among other reasons that led to his death.

Matthew, who had been drug-free for 19 months, was receiving "ketamine infusion therapy" at the time of his death, according to the autopsy. His last therapy was a week and a half before he died.

The Los Angeles Police Department reported last week that the inquiry into his death had concluded.

Who found 'Freinds' star Matthew Perry in the Jacuzzi?

According to first responders, Matthew's assistant raised his head in an attempt to obtain some air. As additional information emerges, it is revealed that star Matthew was discovered underwater in his hot tub by an aide.

'Friends' cast 'shocked' at co-star Matthew Perry's sudden death

The 'Fools Rush In' star had been candid about his battles with substance misuse in the past, but his 'Friends' co-star Jennifer Aniston said he was "really healthy" at the time of his unexpected death.

"He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy—that's all I know," an emotional Jennifer recently told Variety.

"I want people to know he was really healthy, and getting healthy. He really was dealt a tough one. I miss him dearly."

Jennifer, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc from 'Friends' all attended a private burial ceremony for their late friend in Forest Lawn Burial Park in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills area. They also offered individual tributes, as well as a joint statement expressing their devastation.