Emily Gilmore was misunderstood — here are three of the character's most heartfelt moments
Posted: July 19, 2025, 11:13AM
Have you ever seen a woman as witty as Emily Gilmore? The fictional character, played by Kelly Bishop, was the luxurious grandmother of Rory and the mother of Lorelai. With her upbringing, she didn't face financial hardships, so she didn't understand fast food, fast fashion, or anything that didn't have a lot of value. This causes issues between Emily and Lorelai, with the grandmother often judging her daughter for her choices. However, the character had many moments in Gilmore Girls where she wanted to be involved in Rory and Lorelai's lives, often feeling left out of their "secret club."
Here are three of Emily's most heartfelt moments, where the character reveals her emotions and proves that all she wants is to spend time with her family.
Emily's heart broke after learning Lorelai was getting married and didn't tell her
Episode: "Sadie, Sadie..."
The grandparents were celebrating Rory's academic achievements with a special dinner. Rory invited Dean, and Richard was the meanest he's ever been. Sookie called and wanted to know if they could attend the surprise engagement party she was throwing for Lorelai, which revealed to Emily that Lorelai was getting married.
Emily (who is clearly heartbroken) to Richard: "I want you to call Rory tomorrow and apologize... I want you to call her and tell her you're sorry, that you weren't feeling well, and that you think Dean is a lovely boy and he's welcome here anytime... Our daughter is getting married. She's getting married and she didn't tell us. When Rory decides to get married, I'd like her to tell us."
Emily wanted to buy Rory something special for her birthday
Episode: "Rory's Birthday Parties"
Rory's birthday is a big deal in the Gilmore family and Stars Hollow. From Luke baking her a coffee cake and blowing up balloons to her birthday parties, everyone wants to celebrate her. Emily really wanted to buy her granddaughter something special.
Emily to Lorelai, on the phone: "Lorelai, what is your work schedule? I want to go shopping. I want to get Rory a birthday present. I want to give her something special, something she wants... something you would get her. I hardly see the girl, and we only get to talk at dinner once a week, and it's all about school and Jane (Lane). I thought you might let me into your secret club just this one time and help me buy something for her birthday."
A tearful Emily tells Richard he's not allowed to die first
Episode: "Forgiveness And Stuff"
This episode is the aftermath of a previous episode where Rory accidentally stays out all night with Dean after a dance (they simply fell asleep). Lorelai is upset at Rory, and Emily is upset with Lorelai. After being uninvited to the Christmas party, Lorelai sends Rory alone, and Richard ends up in the hospital.
Emily, tearfully, to Richard as he lies in the hospital bed, revealing where the key to the safe is so Emily can prepare for 'if' he dies: "No! Richard Gilmore, there may be many things happening in this hospital tonight, but your dying is not one of them. No! I did not sign on to your dying, and that is not going to happen, not tonight, not for a very long time. In fact, I demand to go first. Do I make myself clear?"
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