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Regis Philbin Says Farewell to 'Live!'

By Michael P. Ventura | November 18, 2011 8:15am | Updated on November 18, 2011 10:37am
Regis Philbin attends a press conference on his departure from 'LIVE! with Regis and Kelly' at ABC Studios on November 17, 2011 in New York City.
Regis Philbin attends a press conference on his departure from 'LIVE! with Regis and Kelly' at ABC Studios on November 17, 2011 in New York City.
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Rob Kim/Getty Images

MANHATTAN — Regis Philbin is saying good-bye to morning TV Friday with his last appearance on "Live! with Regis and Kelly."

Philbin, 80, has been a fixture on morning TV for nearly 30 years. When he announced he was leaving the show, which really took off when he was teamed with co-host Kathie Lee Gifford from 1985-2000, he said he wasn't retiring, just moving on.

"We've had a wonderful show and a great time," Philbin said at the end of his last show, according to the New York Post. "I'll always remember spending these mornings with you."

A host of celebrities showed up to bid Regis farewell, including Gifford, Jane Krakowski, Tony Danza, Alan Alda, Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric and Donald Trump.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg also attended, and offered Philbin some advice for his next job.

"If all else fails, New York is going to be electing a new mayor in two years," Bloomberg said, according to the Post.

Philbin told ABC News that he intends to take a break and spend some time in Florida with his time off.

Kelly Ripa, Philbin's current co-host, will continue to helm the show, but with a series of guest hosts.  On Monday, Ripa will be joined by Jerry Seinfeld, ABC reported.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg appeared on Regis’ sendoff Friday.

"There’ve been seven mayors, I think, before me, waiting for Regis to leave," Bloomberg joked on his weekly radio sit-down with John Gambling before heading to the taping.

"All kidding aside, he’s a great guy. He’ a lot of fun, he’s there when the city needs him, so I’m going to go and say thanks."