New York --

Regis Philbin couldn't leave without a joke.

Signing off from morning television after more than 28 years, he brought to a close his final hour hosting "Live! With Regis and Kelly" by telling viewers, "I'll always remember spending these mornings with all of you."

Then, as the studio audience's ovation subsided, he voiced a kidding postscript to that crowd in attendance. "I just thought of something I should have said," he quipped, "I really want to stay!"

No such luck. Philbin, who at 80 years old has logged more than 16,000 hours on television in a career that dates to the 1950s, was making good on his decision to leave the daily TV grind, an announcement he delivered on his show in January.

Friday's tribute concluded weeks of Philbin farewell mania. The show was devoted to emotion-filled clip sequences of high jinks with co-host Kelly Ripa, and such stars as Dana Carvey and Ben Affleck demonstrating their Regis impersonations.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg paid a visit to thank Philbin for making the city a big part of his show and presented him with a symbolic key. Walt Disney Co. chief executive Bob Iger showed a plaque honoring Philbin that's newly installed on the outside of ABC's Manhattan building from which the show originates.

The show will continue with Ripa. A succession of co-hosts will join her, some in contention for the permanent job.