Television personality Larry King has signed off at CNN after 25 years of his interview programme that became an institution in American broadcasting.
The 77-year-old struggled to hold back tears as he farewelled viewers of Larry King Live on Thursday.
King became famous for his braces and laidback style during an estimated 50,000 interviews and the show was an obligatory stop for politicians, moguls and celebrities.
He started his broadcasting career in radio and was one of the pioneers of 24-hour cable television news, the BBC reports.
During the final show in a pre-taped segment US president Barack Obama called King one of the giants of broadcasting.
King announced his departure plans in June this year, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family, Reuters reports.
He and his seventh wife, Shawn, said earlier in the year they would divorce, but they have since reconciled.
Besides returning to CNN for the occasional special, King has revealed aspirations to enter the bagel and stand-up comedy arenas.
His wife and their two sons, Chance, 11, and Cannon, 10, were among King's guests.
King's will be replaced by former British newspaper editor Piers Morgan.
