The Muscular Dystrophy Association is ending its legendary Labor Day telethon for good, over four years after Jerry Lewis hosted his last one. The group acknowledged that the telethon format is outdated at this point and will continue supporting families online and through other events.
“The decision to end our beloved telethon was not made lightly,” MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks said in a statement. “In the last few years, the show was adjusted to reflect changes in viewership and donor patterns, and last summer’s Ice Bucket Challenge once again affirmed for us that today’s families, donors and sponsors are looking to us for new, creative and organic ways to support our mission.”
The telethon began in 1956, with Lewis and Dean Martin hosting. Lewis formally took over emcee duties the following year and continued with the role until 2010. The 2011 telethon was the last time he appeared to sing his signature song “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
As USA Today notes, the telethon used to be an all-day broadcast that millions looked forward to on Labor Day. However, it was cut to just two hours during the last two years. During its heyday, it attracted performers from Frank Sinatra to Jennifer Lopez. It raised over $2 billion over nearly 60 years.
MDA is going to continue support families and children dealing with muscular dystrophy through other efforts, like walks and galas.
image courtesy of INFphoto.com