On 9/11’s 25th, Pete Davidson’s child carries his dad’s fire legacy

Pete Davidson, 32, spent this September looking back at a painful chapter of his life while stepping forward into a new one. The comedian told the New York Post that the 25th anniversary of 9/11 was “extra tough” because he now has a daughter to share those memories with.

His father, Scott, was a firefighter with New York City’s Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights, and his loss left an indelible mark on Davidson’s world.

On the anniversary he said, “I thought, ‘Oh, he was an old guy. He’s 33,’” and then added, “But now I’m there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad.”

The comedian described his daughter Scottie as a living echo of the man he lost. “So, this year is extra tough, but also extra beautiful because I get to spend the day with Scottie. It’ll be very healing and special,” he said.

In a heartfelt reflection on how he keeps his father’s memory alive, Davidson noted that when Scottie arrived, “we both looked at her and were like, ‘She looks like a Scottie.’ It’s nice to keep that name alive.” He also mentioned that the little girl loves looking at a photo of her grandfather.

“Scottie always turns her head and looks at him,” he shared.

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## Background & Context

Scott was a firefighter with Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights. The tragedy left Pete Davidson 32 years old when his father died, and the loss has resonated throughout his life. For Davidson, the day is more than a memorial; it’s a bridge between past grief and present responsibility.

He has chosen to honor his father by sharing stories, photos, and memories with Scottie, hoping to weave his legacy into her life.

The 25th anniversary of 9/11 falls on September 11, a date that brings renewed remembrance for many New  Yorkers. For Davidson, the day is a chance to honor his father while shaping the future of his daughter.

His father’s nickname was Scotty, and Davidson said it was “really cool” that his ex‑girlfriend Elsie Hewitt also wanted to name her daughter Scottie. This shared choice underscores how the memory of a loved one can shape new family traditions and identities.

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## What People Are Saying

In his conversation with the New York Post, Davidson said, “I don’t know what I believe in, but I like to think that his presence is somehow around.” He also spoke about the importance of time: “Luckily, I have some time.

Honestly, this year is way harder than it’s been in a really long time because I have Scottie, and now I’m the age that my dad was when he died. So I’m just kind of like, ‘Holy sh*t.’”

Davidson revealed he has old videos and pictures to share with his daughter. “I have old videos and pictures and stuff, and I’m excited to share the classic stories I have of him with her,” he explained. These personal archives become a conduit for preserving his father’s life story for the next generation.

He also shared how a therapeutic summer camp near Boston helped him process his loss. “I went for six or seven years,” he recalled, describing counselors from Wales and Australia who volunteered at the free camp. The environment fostered a sense of community among those who had experienced 9/11‑related trauma.

“We all love each other,” Davidson said, adding, “There are people from Boston and New Hampshire. It wasn’t just firefighters and police we lost. It was people on the flights and people who were in the city that day.”

A memorable moment at the camp involved Taylor Swift, who performed for the children one year.

Davidson mentioned, “I ran into Taylor at ‘SNL’ a couple of years ago and thanked her for performing at America’s Camp — and she remembered.” He emphasized the camaraderie formed among attendees: “It was nice to have a camp full of people who got it. We all shared this thing.”

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## What Happens Next

Davidson is actively contributing to 9/11 remembrance events. He recently teamed up with Jon Stewart for “NYC Still Rising After 25 Years: A 9/11 Comedy Benefit” scheduled for September 10 at Madison Square Garden. The show will raise money for charities that support 9/11 first responders and families.

In addition, he has joined the “UNIITE For Good” campaign associated with 9/11 Day, which aims to generate one million good deeds across the country. “9/11 is usually a tough day, but this organization, 9/11 Day, does something cool where you do a good deed for someone and you pass it along. So, let’s show up for each other.

I think my dad would have loved that,” Davidson said.

These efforts illustrate how he is channeling his personal grief into public action—supporting both the legacy of his father and the broader community of survivors and families who were affected by that tragic day.

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The 25th anniversary of 9/11 remains a profound reminder for many, but for Pete Davidson it is also a moment to honor a lost father while shaping the future of his daughter. By sharing stories, engaging in community events, and fostering acts of kindness, he keeps his father's memory alive and transforms sorrow into purpose.