Fellow hosts bid farewell to Letterman

“He was for me — and I think, many comics of my generation — an incredible epiphany. For God’s sake. The man put a camera on a monkey. It seems so simple now, but back then it was mind-blowing,” said Jon Stewart.

“We will not see a man of his talents and comedic integrity again in our lifetimes,” said Conan O’Brien.

Watching Late Night, not only did I learn how to do everything from Dave, the reason I have this show is because the executives at ABC saw me when I was a guest on Dave’s show and hired me to host this show. So I want to thank Dave and his writers and producers,” said an emotional Jimmy Kimmel on his show.

“I think this show and what late-night has become is a result of him playing with the genre and experimenting and exploring and doing that stuff. And I, like every kid who grew up watching him, will miss hi,” said Jimmy Fallon.

“Tonight is David @Letterman’s final show. What a wonderful, inspiring, hilarious, groundbreaking, amazing ride. #ThanksDave” tweeted Ellen DeGeneres.