Joy Behar’s final episode on ABC’s The View aired today, with several special guests making appearances to say goodbye. There was also an emotional speech from Barbara Walters, who is also leaving next year.

CBS News notes that the guests were Regis Philbin, Meredith Vieira, Joan Rivers and Alan Alda. Tony Bennett also came on to sing a song for Behar.

Behar has been a key part of The View, having been a member of the talkshow since it premiered in 1997. Walters talked about meeting Behar and how Philbin had told her that she needed to check out Behar’s stand-up act.

“I love you, Joy. And I loved every moment that we worked together,” Walters said, notes TheWrap. “I thank you and we are really going to miss you.”

At the end of the show, Behar got to thank her crew, executive producer Bill Geddie and her fans. She said to her co-stars, “I'd like to say thank you. I salute you all and thank you for all the fun and lively conversations about everything and anything. I was born an only child, now I know firsthand what sibling rivalry is all about.”

She told Walters, “Thank you for asking me to join you at the table all these years ago. My life hasn't been the same since, really it hasn't. You're such a legend and a friend of mine. You're an icon.”

Behar also said goodbye to the show on Twitter, thanking the show for “a great 16 years.”

The View is currently in a state of flux, since Walters is also leaving and Elisabeth Hasselbeck has also left. Jenny McCarthy’s tenure starts next month.

“I think it's a terrific idea,” Behar told TV Guide about McCarthy’s hiring. “But she better watch out for Barbara Walters' wandering hands.”

image: ABC