Carson Gets Royal Sendoff From Last Public Audience

It took two minutes, 15 seconds, and countless pleadings for the crowd in NBC’s Studio One to sit down and stop cheering as Johnny Carson made his final appearance before a public audience Thursday.

“Come on, now really. I don’t think I can stand any more of this,” an embarrassed Carson said during what should have been the opening minutes of his trademark monologue.

But Thursday night was the end, as America knows it, of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” On the last show tonight, his audience will be invitation-only.

Robin Williams and Bette Midler were Carson’s final visitors.

And Carson, blinking back tears, allowed himself an uncharacteristic indulgence: Seated behind the desk known to millions, he and Midler sang an impromptu duet of “Here’s That Rainy Day,” one of his favorite songs.