Watch David Letterman Announce Official Retirement on Tonight's LATE SHOW

During the taping of tonight's LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN on CBS, David Letterman announced that he will soon be stepping down as host of the late night show.

Watch Letterman's historic announcement below:

Leslie Moonves, President and CEO of CBS Corporation issued the following statement regarding the news of Letterman's retirement:

"When Dave decided on a one-year extension for his most recent contract, we knew this day was getting closer, but that doesn't make the moment any less poignant for us. For 21 years, David Letterman has graced our Network's air in late night with wit, gravitas and brilliance unique in the history of our medium. During that time, Dave has given television audiences thousands of hours of comedic entertainment, the sharpest interviews in late night, and brilliant moments of candor and perspective around national events. He's also managed to keep many celebrities, politicians and executives on their toes - including me. There is only one David Letterman. His greatness will always be remembered here, and he will certainly sit among the pantheon of this business. On a personal note, it's been a privilege to get to know Dave and to enjoy a terrific relationship. It's going to be tough to say goodbye. Fortunately, we won't have to do that for another year or so. Until then, we look forward to celebrating Dave's remarkable show and incredible talents."

Throughout his career as host of the long-running CBS late night talkfest, Letterman has welcomed stars of both stage and screen. His show often concludes with performances from Broadway's hottest shows including the casts of Hair, Pippin, Once, Matilda, Catch Me If You Can and Book of Mormon.

About LATE SHOW:

One look at the LATE SHOW makes it apparent that the program, which is often imitated but never matched, is unlike any other talk show. With its commitment to showcasing the most sought-after stars in entertainment, music, sports and politics, as well as its around-the-town remotes and visits to local establishments, its surprise guest appearances, inventive comedy segments and signature Top Ten List, the LATE SHOW delivers an unpredictable hour of innovative viewing each night.

The LATE SHOW has received numerous honors, including 70 Emmy nominations and nine Emmy Awards, including six for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program in 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. The show was named Program of the Year at the 1994 Television Critics Awards, and in 1995, 2001, 2011 and 2012, Letterman was nominated for a Career Achievement Award by the TCA. Letterman was awarded the prestigious Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence at Comedy Central's first annual "The Comedy Awards" in March 2011. He has won two American Comedy Awards as Funniest Male Performer in a Television Series and a Foundation Award from the International Radio and Television Society for his "extraordinary domi­nation in late-night television." Letterman was also honored as "Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host" at the 31st Annual People's Choice Awards in 2005.

The LATE SHOW with David Letterman is a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated. Barbara Gaines, Matt Roberts, Jude Brennan, Maria Pope, Eric Stangel, Justin Stangel and Rob Burnett are the executive producers.