I read Sheila's comment about him holding the country together, and that is so true.

You hear about great Americans all the time -- they are politicians, war heroes, entertainers, average people. Still, I can't even begin to think of someone who even comes close to Johnny.

The country's seen many dark days during Johnny's life, but in the decades of his public life, he reminded us that laughter makes life that much better.

I am just so fortunate that I had the opportunity to catch many of his late night episodes (even though I was supposed to be asleep as a kid!) and I hope many more generations will remember what a great person he truly was.

(From that final episode)

Johnny: "Okay. And once again, here's Bette Midler.";

Bette: ";Well, you know, when they asked me to come on and . . . I can't believe it! The last, the last guest. The last fool Mr. Carson will have to suffer gladly. You are the wind beneath my wings. Oh, well he is.";

Quarter to three. There's no one in the place
except you and me.
So set 'em up, Joe. Got a little story
I think you should know.

We're drinkin', my friend, to the end
of a sweet episode.
Make it one for my baby
and one more for the road.

Got the routine. So drop another nickel
in the machine.
Oh, gee, I'm feelin' so bad. Wish you'd make the music
so dreamy and sad.

You could tell me a lot. But it's not
in a gentleman's code.
Let's make it one for my baby
and one more for the road.

You may not know it,
but buddy you're a kind of poet.
And you've had a lot of things to say.
And when I'm gloomy
you always listen to me,
until it's talked away.

Well, that's how it goes.
And John I know you're getting
anxious to close.
So, thanks for the cheer.
I hope you didn't mind me
bending your ear.

For all of the years,
for the laughs, for the tears,
for the class that you showed,
make it one for my baby
and one more for the road.
That long long road.

The Tonight Show is all clips of old Carson shows...

I watched Leno last night since Letterman was a repeat. I think that he did a great job. His guests were Don Rickles and Bob Newhart on together, Ed McMahon, Drew Carey, and kd Lang reminiscing about Johnny Carson. They showed some hilarious clips. I thought that it was a wonderful tribute.

I remember Johnny Carson's retirement and Leno taking over and not thanking him which I thought was in bad taste. A few years ago Jay Leno said that he regretted not thanking him. I think that he was given some crappy advice because normally he seems like a decent guy.

I think that Letterman will give Carson a great tribute as well. He probably will not have access to the great clips that Leno had since they are the property of NBC and the Tonight Show.