An era ends this evening, as Jay Leno hosts “The Tonight Show” for the last time.

There is bound to be some sadness on leaving the show after 17 years, and Leno told the AP, “Will I miss it? Yes, terribly. It’s the most wonderful job ever in show business.”

Leno’s final guest will be Conan O’Brien, who is taking over the reins at “The Tonight Show.” In the fall, Leno begins a primetime show airing five nights a week on NBC.

Leno’s 17-year reign gives him the second longest tenure hosting “The Tonight Show,” following the three decades of his predecessor, Johnny Carson.

Farewell and good luck, Jay—we’ll miss you.

Jay Leno has finally ‘fessed up about what caused him to miss his first taping of “The Tonight Show” in 17 years.

“Exhaustion,” he told People. “That’s like a rich person’s condition. Poor people that work – they don’t get exhausted. Only rich people get exhausted. It’s an embarrassing thing. Yes, I was exhausted. Yes, yes, exhausted.”

The funnyman blamed his grueling schedule. “I think I just probably got worn out. I do three columns. I write for the London Sunday Times, I write for Popular Mechanics every month and I write for a British magazine called Octane. I do all automotive stuff. And then I’m on the road [doing standup comedy] 160 days. I think it’s one of those deals where you just kinda just got worn out.”

It sounds like Jay needs to slow down, but with his new primetime show debuting in the fall, that’s not likely. He insisted he’s OK now. “No, I didn’t have swine flu or anything like that at all. And really, now, I’m fine, I’m great.”

Take care of yourself, Jay! You’re one of the good guys, and we want to keep you around.

After missing his first episode in 17 years, Jay Leno will return to work Monday on NBC’s “Tonight Show.”

E! reports the host is “doing very well” after a trip to a Burbank hospital Thursday for an undisclosed ailment. Doctors kept Leno overnight for observation, but he was released Friday afternoon. Tapings of  ”Tonight Show” were canceled Thursday and Friday. Leno also canceled two standup gigs in Las Vegas this weekend.

We’re glad to hear it’s nothing serious, Jay. Welcome back!

Good guy Jay Leno has always stepped up to help people in need. Now he’s providing some welcome laughs for Detroit’s unemployed.

The AP reports that on April 7, Leno will be doing a free show at the Palace of Auburn Hills for “anybody out of work in Detroit.” Leno will be springing for refreshments and parking. You don’t actually have to flash a copy of your unemployment check—just tell them at the box office you’re out of work and get up to four free tickets.

Auburn Hills may not be big enough for the crowd the “Tonight Show” host could draw, since Michigan’s unemployment rate is a whopping 11.6%.

Fans have probably been missing their dose of the Tonight Show, but Jay Leno’s back starting January 2nd, despite of the writers’ strike. Our photogs caught up with Jay today filming some segements for the show in West Hollywood. Jay does this segement called “Jaywalking” where he asks folks on the street questions that are at a 4th grade level or ones that are supposed to be super easy. I once saw the segment when he asked some guy what the capital of the United States is and the man said Paris or something. Oh no he diiiiin’t. But oh yes, he did. And it was a grown ass man, too. The segment’s supposed to be funny (and it actually is), but it’s more like a social commentary on the country’s school system. I bet Europeans watch ”Jaywalking” and make fun of us silly. I guess it doesn’t matter to some folks if they don’t know the capital of the U.S., just as long as they get on TV. We have more pics of Jay Leno walking around town below. Enjoy!

Now that Christmas is only a week away and folks are scrambling for the perfect gifts, news or updates on the WGA strike have subsided. The truth is the strike is still going on and talks between WGA and AMPTP have come to a standstill. This is definitely unfortunate news, as many shows have called off taping because of the strike. News today however paints a different picture in the late-night arena. Variety reported today that both Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien will be returning to their shows starting January 2. Jay Leno commented that the standstill in talks between the two parties assisted in his decision to bring back his show. David Letterman has yet to announce such a return. I’m very excited that Conan is coming back with new episodes in the new year, but I’m really saddened that the writers’ strike has lasted this long. Hopefully some sort of miracle take place in the next few days and talks resume. We’ll keep you posted on any progress.