Stephen Colbert denied the world of witty banter that includes making fun of the Pope’s hat and poking fun at the democratic donkey for two days. (That’s not meant to be as dirty as it sounds.) The Comedy Central king was briefly M.I.A. for filming which led to whispers that the show was done.

Colbert gave a brief explanation after returning on Monday that ‘The Colbert Report’ was not cancelled or suspended as rumors theorized. He was actually with his 91 year old mother, but didn’t give much info on her condition and simply mentioned that “having 11 children makes you tough as nails.