Jimmy Kimmel will air a rerun of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on May 20th in deference to David Letterman, who will end his storied tenure as host ofThe Late Show that same night, The New York Timesreports.
I have too much respect for Dave to do anything that would distract viewers from watching his final show, Kimmel told the Times in an e-mail. Plus, Ill probably be crying all day, which makes it hard to work.
While new episodes ofKimmel will air therest of that week, the hostis so far Lettermans only competitor in the 11:30 p.m. time slot to bow out on the 20th. Representatives for NBCs The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonand TBS Conansaid the shows would air new episodesthat week as planned.
While Conan OBrien wont be taking the 20th off, the comedian who notonly took over Lettermans post on NBCs Late Night in 1993, but also famously lost The Tonight Show to Jay Leno recently penneda touching tributeto Letterman forEntertainment Weekly, calling TheLate Show that rare phenomenon: a big, fat show-business hit that seemingly despised show business.
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Letterman has been trotting out the big names in preparation for his final episode of The Late Show including John Fogerty, Future Islands (last years viral favorites who premiered their new song, Haunted by You), Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martinand both Michelleand Barack Obama.
Letterman recently opened up about the highs and lows of his lengthy career in late night in a new cover story for Rolling Stone. The host also spoke about his decision to retire, which was partly helped alongbyLenos departure from the Tonight Show: I know it must have been hard for him, Letterman said, adding he called up his longtime rival when he heard the news.I said, Jay, are you actually retiring? And he said, yeah And I said, Well, I hope this is good for you, and Im sorry youre leaving. He was very nice and earnest about it.