In an interview David Letterman, 68, tells The New York Times about his feelings regarding retirement.  The Late Show host says that he is full of "melancholia" and that he will surely miss the show terribly. He goes on to say that every big change in his life causes him anxiety such as when he moved to California from Indiana, or when he and his wife, Regina decided to have a baby. 

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The TV veteran, who has retired from hosting the "Late Show" after 22 years, says that he realized that younger men now dominate the late-night shows.  Letterman also admits that when Jay Leno retired, he decided that it was time to retire because then, he becomes the only older man in late night.

Regarding his replacement, Letterman said that he wasn't consulted but thought that Jon Stewart would have been a good choice. Talking about Stephen Colbert replacing him, he says that it would be a good opportunity to put a black person on and even a woman would be nice, saying there are a lot of funny women on television these days. He added that Colbert will bring a different dynamic to the show and it would be very interesting what he will do.

Lettermen then talked about his last episode and said that he would like it to be something upbeat, cheery and funny so that his viewers will still enjoy his last show.

Letterman's last show will be on May 20. On May 4 at 9:30 P.M., CBS will present a primetime 90-minute-long special that pays tribute to Letterman and his legendary career. Ray Romano will host the special farewell.

David Letterman has been on late night television since 1982.  His shows garnered 67 Emmy Award nominations, winning 12 times in his first 20 years in late night television.

TagsDavid Letterman, television, late show, retirement