Pete Davidson says fatherhood changed views of father's 9/11 death

Pete Davidson is opening up about how becoming a father has reshaped his understanding of losing his own dad on 9/11, a loss that's taken on new emotional weight now that Davidson is the same age his father was when he died. 

Speaking to the New York Post ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, Davidson, who turns 33 in November, reflected on how his perspective has shifted since welcoming daughter Scottie with ex-girlfriend Elsie Hewitt last December. 

"I thought, 'Oh, he was an old guy. He's 33,'" Davidson said, recalling how he once viewed his father's age at the time of his death. 

"But now I'm there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad."

Davidson's father, FDNY firefighter Scott Davidson, died responding to the World Trade Center attacks when Pete was just 7 years old. 

He named his daughter Scottie in his father's honour, a decision he said Hewitt embraced just as enthusiastically. 

"It was really cool that Elsie also wanted to name her Scottie," he said. "My dad's name was Scott, but his nickname was Scotty. When she arrived, we both looked at her and were like, 'She looks like a Scottie.' It's nice to keep that name alive." 

Davidson said this year's anniversary carries a complicated mix of emotions. 

"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."

Davidson marked the 25th anniversary by co-hosting a comedy benefit with Jon Stewart at Madison Square Garden on September 10, titled "NYC Still Rising After 25 Years: A 9/11 Comedy Benefit," supporting charities that assist first responders and their families.