Mister Rogers Hangs Up His Cardigan

November 13 -- There goes the neighborhood. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, that is.

Fred Rogers, the 71-year-old host and founder of the inspirational children's television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, is hanging up his well-worn cardigan after 33 years.

Rogers will shoot the final episode of the show in 2001, The Associated Press reports. Don't fret, though; his production company, Family Communications, swears he isn't retiring.

Instead, Rogers is expected to dedicate his time to his educational Web sites, publications, and museum programs. Perhaps we can expect to see a Mister Rogers line of men's sweaters as well?

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood ranks as the longest-running children's program on public television and is carried on more than 300 Public Broadcasting Service stations nationwide. Rogers began hosting the program, which teaches children about life issues and feelings and affirms their sense of individuality and self-worth, in 1967.

Rogers' co-star David Newell told the AP, "[Rogers] would take subjects such as a new baby or sibling rivalry, or dealing with angry feelings — subjects that are timeless. Every generation can use help with those subjects."

The show began as a regional public TV program aired on WQED-TV in Pittsburgh. Since then, the half-hour Neighborhood has become a staple for children across the country.

Rogers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998.