It’s the Beginning of the End for Letterman

David Letterman has announced his retirement from the Late Show. The last original episode will be May 20, 2015. And Friday begins the end of the show.

Why? Because it's the last time after 31 years that Darlene Love will sing “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” on The Late Show/Late Night. Love has said she won't ever sing the holiday classic anywhere in the season until after she sings it on Letterman. And Friday Night will be her last time doing that.

"There may be another Top Ten List, maybe even another Stupid Pet Trick, before May arrives. Love, however, will not hold forth like this again. It’s the first of many Letterman traditions, bits and standards that will not be repeated in years to come. “It’s going to be bittersweet,” said Love, in a recent interview. “A lot of families and people sit up at night and watch the David Letterman Christmas show. It really makes them feel good."

Merry Christmas, Dave.