Katie Couric Reads Farewell Poem to Larry King

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Larry King's final show on CNN last night featured a host of celebrities, from President Obama to Donald Trump. But our favorite moment came when CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric appeared to read a poem she wrote in honor of the retiring host. As the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Let's just say, Clement Clark Moore and Dr. Seuss needn't worry."

Here's the video:



And here's the full transcript:

What are we to do without our top talker? Here's an ode filled with love from me and Miss Walker. As you hang up your suspenders on your dressing room door, I speak for us all when I say we want more. More of the show that we instantly loved, for 25 years couldn't get enough of.

Your unique take on politics, culture and crime, never cutting off guests—except for Barbra—always giving them time. You made NAFTA exciting, and that's hard to do. And you scored Paris Hilton's post-jail interview.

Sinatra, George Clooney, Clint Eastwood, Bacall. So many stars, I just can't name them all. From Heather Mills' leg to Ross Perot's twang, you always cajole, not harass or harangue.

But there were moments when your guests had a cow. Seinfeld wasn't canceled, Larry, but I guess you know that by now. Mike Tyson KO'd without throwing a punch. And you got Miss California's sash in a bunch.

You went gaga for Gaga, Sharon Stone, Janet Jackson. Alas, it was Brando who gave you some action. Eight presidents joined you, from Nixon to Obama, and you brought us each moment of O.J.'s long drama.

Some startling shows I'll never forget. Tammy Faye's eyes, Ted Haggart's regret. Your guests made us cry, made us laugh, made us think. Wynonna Judd told you about a God wink.

I hadn't heard that before, so I looked the phrase up. It's a miracle, blessing, an overfilled cup. That's what you are. And as old blue eyes might say, the best is yet to come, Larry. You did it your way.

Congratulations, Larry.

Read the full story at the Los Angeles Times.

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Eleanor Barkhorn is a senior associate editor at The Atlantic, where she oversees the Sexes channel. A former teacher with Teach for America, she used to edit the Entertainment channel. More

She is a former producer for the Food channel. Before coming to The Atlantic, she was a reporter at the Delta Democrat Times in Greenville, Mississippi. She graduated from Princeton University, where she majored in American literature and wrote her senior thesis about Oprah's Book Club. For her first two years out of college, she taught high school English with the Teach For America program.

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