David Letterman's Effusive Farewell for Craig Ferguson's Late-Night Departure

See what the host had to say about Ferguson's leaving "The Late Late Show."

ByABC News
April 30, 2014, 10:45 AM

April 30, 2014 — -- "Late Show" host David Letterman was quite generous with his praise of Craig Ferguson, the man who follows him after his show.

"His show was unlike any other late night show. And I’m telling you, to be unique in the world of television, virtually impossible,” Letterman said on his own show Tuesday night. “So congratulations to Craig on a great run and we all wish him well.”

Ferguson announced his plans Monday to step down as host of “The Late Late Show” in December. Ferguson broke the news to his studio audience, echoing a similar move by Letterman April 3.

“I’ve been doing this show for 10 years,” Ferguson said during the open of Monday’s episode. “That’s enough.”

Letterman will clearly miss Ferguson's work on the show.

Read: Craig Ferguson Is Leaving Late-Night TV, Too

"Craig Ferguson announced that he will be leaving his show, 'The Late Late Show,' which comes on right after this show, at the end of the year, which is too bad," Letterman said Tuesday night. "He’s been on that program, the star of the show, since 2005 and he’s going on to do other things, I guess a new show that is in the works for him."

Letterman himself announced his retirement earlier this month after more than 20 years on "The Late Show." Stephen Colbert will be taking over for Letterman, but no word yet on who will fill Ferguson's CBS slot.