Jay Leno's first guest on the "The Tonight Show" 22 years ago, comedian and actor Billy Crystal, will be his final guest, as NBC announced Leno's final week on the popular late night talk show.
Country hit maker Garth Brooks will be the musical guest on Leno's final episode. Leno replaced Johnny Carson as host of the
"The Tonight Show" in May 1992, according to the Associated Press.
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Jimmy Fallon, Leno's heir apparent, will make a guest appearance during Leno's final week on Feb. 3, per the Associated Press. A "Saturday Night Live" alum, Fallon has hosted NBC's "Late Night," which follows the "Tonight" show, since 2009.
Deadline.com reported that other Leno guests in his final week will include Betty White, Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock.
NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt acknowledged Leno last week and said he hoped to continue working with the host and comedian.
"I'm hoping we will enter into a new relationship with him and keep his home on NBC," Greenblatt said. "I would love him to do specials with us, and other shows he could host. . . . It may be a series franchise. Jay loves cars.
Leno has a popular website "Jay Leno's Garage" where the host demonstrates his enthusiasm for cars.
Fallon will kick off his version of "Tonight" from New York during the second week of Winter Olympics on Feb. 17.
Leno left "Tonight" for six months in 2009 to host a prime time talk show, handing over the show to Conan O'Brien. Poor ratings for both shows led Leno back to "Tonight," while O'Brien was relieved of his duties.
NBC Entertainment President Robert Greenblatt is hoping to continue the network's relationship with Leno after he leaves late night.
Greenblatt told the Television Critics Association semiannual press tour Sunday that NBC's ratings have been on the upswing, with the success of "The Voice" and "Sunday Night Football." He said he feels the momentum will continue with Sochi Winter Olympic Games,
according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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