Larry King posted on his CNN blog tonight that he’s leaving the show in December, although he will still work with CNN.
King stated in the statement, quoted in full below, that the decision was his and made for personal reasons- mainly, to spend more time with his family. King has been hosting the show for 25 years, and says that Larry King Live holds a Guinness Record for having the longest running show with the same host in the same time slot.
Before King’s statement, here are two comments floating around on Twitter about the long-time host’s retirement:
@friedmanjon The final episode of Larry King Live better answer all the unanswered questions or I’m gonna be pissed.
@funnyordie Larry King just announced he’s going to end his nightly show on CNN. Shocked fans put on their suspenders of disbelief.
King’s statement on CNN:
Before I start the show tonight, I want to share some personal news with you. 25 years ago, I sat across this table from New York Governor Mario Cuomo for the first broadcast of Larry King Live .
Now, decades later, I talked to the guys here at CNN and I told them I would like to end Larry King Live , the nightly show, this fall and CNN has graciously accepted, giving me more time for my wife and I to get to the kids’ little league games.
I’ll still be a part of the CNN family, hosting several Larry King specials on major national and international subjects.
I’m incredibly proud that we recently made the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest running show with the same host in the same time slot. With this chapter closing I’m looking forward to the future and what my next chapter will bring, but for now it’s time to hang up my nightly suspenders.