Conan O’Brien is honoring his parents, whom he called “kindred spirits,” after they both passed away just three days apart in early December.

In an interview with The Boston Globe on Tuesday, O’Brien discussed the profound loss of both his parents occurring within such a short timeframe.

The Massachusetts native described how well his parents complemented each other, stating that “they were kindred spirits.” His father, Dr. Thomas F. O’Brien, passed away on December 9 at the age of 95, and three days later, his mother, Ruth Reardon O’Brien, died at 92, as reported by both The Globe and The New York Times.

“My father was the dreamer,” said O’Brien. He recalled how his father would say things like, “I’m heading off to Peru with just a change of clothes in my briefcase to start a website for a hospital up in the mountains,” which showcased his adventurous spirit.

As one of six siblings, O’Brien shared that he was raised by a “heroic” mother, who was a partner at the prestigious law firm Ropes and Gray in Boston, while his father served as a professor at Harvard Medical School and an epidemiologist focusing on disease prevention.

“My mother was the realist,” he reflected. “While my dad was busy with his remarkable work, my mom made sure we were fed, had our clothes ready, and made it to our dental and medical appointments.”

He noted that his mother felt compelled to help anyone who seemed unhappy within a 50-mile radius, stating, “This often complicated her life, but it stemmed from her strong Catholic conviction to serve others. And she truly honored that.”

O’Brien explained how his father’s genuine curiosity about people’s lives was one of his defining qualities. He believed in listening to others’ stories.

“Despite his significant contributions, particularly regarding antibiotic resistance,” O’Brien said, “it’s the compassion he showed toward people from diverse backgrounds that will leave the greatest mark on his legacy.”

The star of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” is scheduled to host the 97th Academy Awards in March, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last month.

This upcoming ceremony will be O’Brien’s first time hosting the Oscars, though he has previously hosted the Emmys in 2002 and 2006. He humorously remarked, “America has spoken, and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. And in other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”