Political funny guy Stephen Colbert returns to TV tonight after taking a short break, reportedly to be by his ailing 91-year-old mother's side.

The show will air new episodes all week. Scheduled guests on Comedy Central's The Colbert Report include Nancy Pelosi, minority leader of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, and opera star Placido Domingo on Thursday. 

"My family and I would like to thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers," Colbert tweeted, "We are grateful and touched by your concern."

The network aired repeats last Wednesday and Thursday, saying only that production had been shut down due to "unforseen circumstances." USA Today reports that Colbert is expected to explain his absence on tonight's show. 

Parnassus Books owner and best-selling author Ann Patchett will discuss independent bookstores on tonight's episode; Robert Kagan, author of The World America Made, is tomorrow's scheduled guest. 

Tags: Stephen Colbert