JAY LENO'S FINAL FINAL NBC TONIGHT SHOW AFTER 22 YEARS AS HOST..............

Comedian Jay Leno hosted his final "Tonight Show" Thursday ending a 22 year run, that was disrupted for nine months by his termination in favor of Conan O'Brien; a failed four month, five nights a week 10 p.m. 'Jay Leno Show'.  Now at age 64, NBC Television decided to replace Leno yet again witha younger man, Jimmy Fallon, who has followed Leno as the host of the "Late Night" show.  Leno was not ready to hand over his hosting of the 'Tonight Show', but has been accepting and welcoming of Fallon as the months of his tenure  wound down.  On his final show tonight Jay Leno invited and welcomed back his very first guest on May 25, 1992, comedian/actor Billy Crystal, who led a heartfelt look back and tributte to Leno, that included a rendering of the song Goodbye, Farewell, Auf Widersehen", from the 'Sound Of Music"; which included Crystal, Carol Burnett, Oprah Winfrey, among others saluting Jay.  As his last musical act Garth Brooks performed and the show crescendo came with Leno's emotional farewell speech acknowledging his share in the "Tonight Show"'s 60 year legacy; speaking of the rival he bested for the program, competitor David Letterman, and recalling Johnny Carson and using his closing words 22 years ago as his own now, "I bid you all a fond goodnight".  On CBS, David Letterman bid Leno, a classy happy retirement and joked if he were Leno he would buy a car !, alluding to Leno's well known car collection.  For now Jay Leno will continue performing stand up comedy, which he has continued doing over the duration he has hosted the "Tonight Show", and dismisses the idea of going to another network.  Meanwhile the NBC Television Network President has said they have hopes of Jay continuing with NBC, hosting Specials and other programs..............fr.tdp