David Letterman wins Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

May 16 (UPI) -- The 20th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is to be presented to David Letterman, organizers announced Tuesday.

The ceremony is to take place Oct. 22 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

"Over 33 years on late-night television, David Letterman hosted 6,028 episodes of Late Night and The Late Show, and was the longest-running late-night broadcaster in American history," the Kennedy Center website noted. "As a writer, performer, and producer, Letterman is one of the most nominated individuals in Emmy-Award history, with 52 nominations, resulting in 10 wins. Letterman is also a two-time Peabody Award winner and a Kennedy Center honoree."

Letterman, 70, retired from late-night comedy in 2015.