Regis Philbin has announced he is retiring from his U.S. morning program "Live! with Regis and Kelly" at the end of this season.

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The 79-year-old TV personality has starred in various incarnations of "Live!" for nearly three decades.

"It's been a long time. It's been 28 years since I've been here. And it was the biggest thrill of my life," Philbin said on Tuesday's edition of his show. "Everything must come to an end for certain people on camera, especially certain old people."

"I think I can only speak for America, and all of us here, when I say it has been a pleasure and a privilege and a dream come true (to work with you,)" current "Live!" co-host Kelly Ripa told Philbin. "And I wish I could do something to change your mind."

UsMagazine.com said Philbin's exact final date and possible replacement have not yet been determined.