"Congratulations, Jimmy. I hope you're as lucky as me," Leno said in a statement

Jay Leno to Retire, Jimmy Fallon to Take Over Tonight Show in 2014

This is no song and dance – like he did with Jimmy Fallon earlier this week.

Jay Leno, 62, is retiring from his 22-year job hosting NBC’s Tonight Show, the network officially announced Wednesday.

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NBC also said he will be succeeded, as expected, by Jimmy Fallon, 38, once Leno finishes out his contract in spring 2014. The show will also return to New York’s 30 Rock. Johnny Carson had moved the show, which first premiered in 1954 (from Manhattan), west in 1972.

“Congratulations, Jimmy. I hope you’re as lucky as me and hold on to the job until you’re the old guy,” Leno said in a statement released by NBC. “If you need me, I’ll be at the garage.” (Leno has an enviable classic car collection.)

Responded Fallon: “I’m really excited to host a show that starts today instead of tomorrow.”