In a heartfelt tribute to one of the most influential figures in musical history, the Walt Disney Company has unveiled a brand-new short film, The Last Verse, featuring the final contribution of the late Richard M. Sherman. Best known for co-writing iconic songs such as “It’s a Small World” with his brother Robert B. Sherman, Richard’s final verse, penned just before his passing in May 2023, serves as a lasting gift to Disney—a studio that he and his brother helped shape with their timeless music.
On November 27, Disney shared this emotional piece of history alongside a special documentary event on ABC News commemorating the 60th anniversary of Mary Poppins, the film for which the Sherman brothers won Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
Before passing away at the age of 95, Richard Sherman shared with Disney CEO Bob Iger a final verse for the beloved song “It’s a Small World.” Richard’s handwritten lyrics—”Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind, and the love we give makes us human kind…”—have now been immortalized in The Last Verse, a poignant short film released by Disney.
The film also features archival footage of Walt Disney himself, along with a heartfelt tribute to the Sherman brothers’ extraordinary musical legacy. In the film, viewers are taken on a journey that includes scenes of people from all walks of life—children, astronauts, and iconic Disney characters—singing the song in various cultural settings, highlighting the global impact of the Sherman brothers’ work.
The short film also showcases personal glimpses into Richard Sherman’s life, including photos with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and a view of his piano, where the magic of countless Disney songs was born. For Disney CEO Bob Iger, hearing Sherman recite the final verse of “It’s a Small World” was a deeply emotional moment.
“As the legendary creators of some of the most cherished music of the past century, the Sherman brothers will be remembered for their profound impact on our global culture,” Iger said. “Hearing Richard Sherman recite the final verse to ‘It’s a Small World’ before he died will be a moment I will carry with me forever. This beautiful short film is our tribute to their immeasurable musical contributions, their memory, and to the countless memories they helped create for generations of people around the world.”
“It’s a Small World,” which was originally written to accompany Disney’s iconic theme park attraction, is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable songs in history. A 2014 TIME article called it “the most played song in music history,” a testament to its enduring popularity across Disney parks worldwide.
Richard Sherman passed away on May 25, 2023, due to age-related illness. His brother, Robert, passed in 2012. Together, the Sherman brothers shaped the soundtrack of childhood for millions around the globe. Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth, as well as his children Gregory, Victoria, and Lynda.
As the song “It’s a Small World” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, The Last Verse ensures that Richard’s final message—of unity, love, and peace—will continue to echo for generations to come.
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