Jon Stewart reportedly announced at today’s taping of The Daily Show that he is officially stepping down from the late night desk after hosting the Comedy Central program for 16 years.

People who were at the taping posted the news on social media:

Guys!!! #jonstewart is leaving he show!!! Just saw the live taping!!!! #sosad A photo posted by @danijurman on Feb 10, 2015 at 3:31pm PST

Got to be present when the great @TheDailyShow Jon Stewart announced his retirement. #OneOfTheGreats #JonStewart — Jonathan Reyes (@Jonathan2Reyes) February 10, 2015

My friend is at a taping of #TDS and he said Jon Stewart is leaving the show!! D: — Josie (@fangirlfeminist) February 10, 2015

And then it was confirmed:

Confirmed: Jon Stewart is leaving 'The Daily Show' (details tk) — James Hibberd (@JamesHibberd) February 10, 2015

Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless released this statement:

“For the better part of the last two decades, I have had the incredible honor and privilege of working with Jon Stewart. His comedic brilliance is second to none. Jon has been at the heart of Comedy Central, championing and nurturing the best talent in the industry, in front of and behind the camera. Through his unique voice and vision, ‘The Daily Show’ has become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for years to come. Jon will remain at the helm of ‘The Daily Show’ until later this year. He is a comic genius, generous with his time and talent, and will always be a part of the Comedy Central family.”

Update- 7:06 pm EST: Both The Daily Show and tonight’s guest David Axelrod tweeted about the big news:

Tonight! For once, you wanna stay through the interview. — The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) February 11, 2015

Just had the honor of being the great Jon Stewart's guest on @TheDailyShow, where he announced he's leaving. Emotional night. #jonstewart — David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) February 11, 2015

[h/t AV Club]

[image via Shutterstock]

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