Regis Says He'll Miss The Audiences The Most As Final Broadcast Airs
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - Friday morning marked Regis Philbin's final broadcast as co-host of the nationally syndicated "Live with Regis and Kelly."
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond With Regis
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The audience was full of celebrities including Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer at his final show.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg made an appearance, suggested possible future occupations for Regis, and presented him with a key to the city.
Viewers and the audience even got to finally hear the infamous 'wedding story.' What was it? He hadn't made reservations for where they'd stay that night! His wife Joy told the story, saying that they just kept driving and driving and he wouldn't say where they were going.
WCBS 880s's Deborah Rodriguez On The Final Show
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Regis is a household name, but this boy from the Bronx remains humble, despite holding the Guinness record for most hours of television - over 17,000.
"What will you miss the most?" asked WCBS 880 reporter Marla Diamond.
"The audiences," answered the 80-year-old Philbin. "They cheer you up. You know that you have to make it their day and so it inspires you to be better than you can."
The fans will miss him too.
"So cute, I want to give him a hug," said an older woman.
"He is so, like, generous and outgoing and he always has something to say," said a young girl.
"What do you want to say to your audience," Diamond asked Philbin.
"I want to thank them very much for their loyalty. Some of these people I've been with all of their lives. So they remember me from Joey Bishop in the 60s, my own show in San Diego. So it's been a long time together and I appreciate them still remembering me," answered Philbin.
About his departure, he said, "I feel good. I know it could be a very soulful experience, but so far, I'm enjoying it."
His co-host, Jersey girl Kelly Ripa, will continue on the show.
"Good luck," Philbin said.
A replacement for him has not been announced.
Will you miss Regis? What's your favorite memory? Share your feelings and stories in the comments section below!
