The late night TV host David Letterman took the stage for the last time Wednesday night, with a show that kicked off with tributes from four U.S. Presidents.
Footage of former President Gerald Ford opened the show, informing the viewers, “Our long national nightmare is over.”
They were then echoed by George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and President Obama.
“Letterman is retiring,” Obama added, before Letterman appeared next to him: “You’re just kidding, right?” he asked.
Watch the presidential sendoff below.
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Write to Naina Bajekal at naina.bajekal@time.com