Tissues, anyone? Jimmy Fallon and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson orchestrated an emotional reunion between Tonight Show producer Karina Kabalan and her husband, Todd Kabalan, who serves as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.
“If we ever have the opportunity to give back to our troops, I think we all should because we live and enjoy the life we have because of them,” Johnson, 44, said during an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday, December 9. “I would love to give back to a military family that’s actually here in the audience. … This person does not know.”
The Moana star and the late-night talk show host, 42, then walked backstage to the control room, where Karina asked, “What is happening right now? What’s going on?”
“I heard that you met your husband when you were both deployed in Iraq,” Johnson said to the surprised staffer, who is a military veteran. “Your husband’s name is Todd, and he’s a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. And you guys have been living apart for the past year and a half because he is 5,000 miles away. … We just wanted to thank you and your husband for your service and your sacrifice. And I personally heard you are the most amazing person, and we wanted to bring your husband home for you for the holidays.”
As Todd stealthily sneaked into the room, the WWE star told an emotional Karina, “Turn around and hug your husband.”
After the couple embraced in a sweet hug, Fallon appeared to fight back tears. “Oh, man, I’m losing it right now,” he said before initiating a group hug. Laughing, Karina asked, “How could you even do this without me knowing?”
After the emotional reunion aired, the Tonight Show host tweeted, “I can’t believe we pulled that off. I lost it.” Johnson added, “You’re so loved by all your co-workers, Karina. Grateful to have been a part of this.”
Watch the touching military homecoming above!
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET.
