Unsurprisingly, the Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman presentation at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event was highlighted by several touching moments that even hardened Disney fans would should a tear about. One highlight was a video shared by Disney CEO of Bob Iger from 2023 of Richard Sherman sharing a final verse that he wrote for “it’s a small world”.

Here’s a small taste of of what we experienced at the Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman presentation at the 2024 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

At the top of the presentation, Disney CEO Bob Iger shared the video from a meeting he had with Richard Sherman in 2023 when the prolific music man read a new verse he had written for the indelible “it’s a small world” song. Hearing Richard’s humble voice as he speaks the words and shares with Bob how much the company has meant to him over the course of his entire life is truly beautiful and it’s hard not to choke up just a little!

If you ever had the chance to listen to Richard Sherman speak about his involvement with Disney over the years the love and passion is clearly there. When talking about “it’s a small world” he always loved sharing that he and his brother had originally created the unforgettable tune as a prayer for peace. It’s fitting then that this final message that he added to the song lives on forever, carrying the banner of hopes and aspirations for peace.

Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
it’s a small world after all

Video

Richard Sherman shares his new verse in the video below with Bob Iger from 2023.

The new verse was also incorporated at the end of a beautiful tribute video that honors the life and legacy of Richard M. Sherman. You can hear a child singing it below. Thank you, Richard Sherman, for helping make the world feel a little smaller.

See it for Yourself

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event takes place in Anaheim from August 9 – 11, 2024. Tickets are officially sold out.

MORE INFO: Check out all of our coverage for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at MouseInfo.com/D23

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