From the show’s final episode on Jan. 22 2009:

“Despite this sense of loss, I really feel this should be a happy moment. Every comedian dreams of hosting The Tonight Show, and for seven months I got to do it, and I did it my way, with people I love, and I do not regret one second of anything that we’ve done here. You know I encounter people when I walk on the street now who are just…who give me sort of a sad look—I have had more good fortune than anybody I know. If our next gig is in a 7/11 parking lot we will find a way to make it fun. We really will. I have no problems. I don’t want to do it in a 7/11 parking lot, but, whatever. Finally, I have something to say to our fans: This massive outpouring of support and passion from so many people has been overwhelming for me—the rallies, the signs, all this goofy outrageous creativity on the Internet, the fact that people traveled long distances and camped out all night in the pouring rain—it’s pouring, it’s been pouring for days, and they’re camping out to be in our audience. Here’s what all of you have done. You made a sad situation joyous and inspirational. So to all the people watching I can never ever thank you enough for the kindness to me—I’ll think about it the rest of my life—and all I ask is one thing. I’m asking this particularly of young people who watch. Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism—for the record it’s my least favorite quality—it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get, but if you work really hard, and you’re kind, amazing things will happen. I’m telling you amazing things will happen. I’m telling you it’s just true.” –Conan O’Brien