In the summer of 2015, Quincy Jones was diagnosed Stage 4 mesothelioma cancer. He was given one year to live.
In the wake of Jones’ diagnosis, friend and fellow comedian Nicole Blaine, along with her husband Mickey, launched a Kickstarter campaign to subsidize a comedy special for him. Ellen DeGeneres previously caught wind of the campaign and invited Jones on her morning program. The comedian returned to the show in an episode aired Monday, during which DeGeneres revealed a special surprise.
"Here’s the thing that you mentioned last time, that you want to do a comedy special," she began. "That’s really important for you to do a comedy special."
After Jones agreed, DeGeneres continued: "So, what you don’t know (is) we called the head of HBO. And your people didn’t even tell you this, but HBO is going to air your special."
"You’re lying," Jones reflexively responded. "Are you serious? Are you?"
DeGeneres explained that Jones’ reps had been secretly negotiating with HBO since she placed the call. DeGeneres also convinced Shutterfly, which initially gifted Jones $10,000 to help with travel, to donate an extra $15,000 to help cover production costs.
The special will tape on April 4 at Los Angeles’ Teragram Ballroom. It will air later this spring.
