Legendary Talk Show Host Carson Dies at 79

Johnny Carson, the "King of Late-night TV", peacefully died on Sunday morning of emphysema at his home in Malibu, California.

Carson, who retired from The Tonight Show in 1992, will forever be remembered for the laughs that he brought into peoples' homes every night for 30 years. With his trustworthy sidekick Ed McMahon at his side, he was known for sidesplitting skits with characters like the fortuneteller, Carnac the Magnificent and newscaster Floyd R. Turbo. Upon his retirement, Carson said, "My leaving doesn't mean we're not going to see each other again."

Carson gave inspiration to many celebrities and late-night talk show personalities such as star of Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano and David Letterman.

Romano said, "If I had to pick an inspiration, it would be him." David Letterman said. "He was the best," calling him a "star and a gentleman."

Joan Rivers, a frequent guest of his told Reuters, "This is the end of an era. With Carson you went on once. You had his blessing, and the world knew you were funny."

Carson garnered high ratings while he hosted The Tonight Show and was a five-time host of the Academy Awards during the 70's and 80's.

On his final Tonight Show on May 22, 1992, 50 million viewers watched as Carson signed off for the last time saying, "And so it has come to this. I am one of the lucky people in the world. I found something that I always wanted to do and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I bid you a very heartfelt goodnight."