Leno ends 'Tonight' run focused on jokes

BURBANK, Calif., May 30 (UPI) -- Comedian Jay Leno said during his final episode of "The Tonight Show" that jokes were the key to his 17 years of hosting the U.S. late night TV show.

People.com reported Saturday that Leno, 59, also used his final episode of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" to say being the host of the NBC talk show had been "an honor and a privilege."

"When times are serious, you make silly jokes. When times are silly, you make serious jokes. But you always want to have jokes," Leno said Friday night. "That's what we've been trying to do for the last 17 years -- make you laugh. And it's been an honor and a privilege to do that."

But Leno was not entirely serious during the 3,775th "Leno" episode, as the comedian joked about his new prime time NBC series "The Jay Leno Show."

"I'm going to be going to a secluded spot where no one can find me -- NBC prime time," Leno said.

The New York Times reported Leno also welcomed Conan O'Brien as his final guest Friday and officially passed on "Tonight Show" hosting duties to the comedian.