Jerry Lewis Retiring From MDA Telethon

Jerry Lewis is retiring from the MDA telethon after this year's broadcast. Lewis announced the retirement Monday (May 16th) after 45 years hosting the fundraiser.

Jerry is 85 years old, so this announcement should not be a big surprise. He intends to stay aboard as MDA national chairman. He will sing his signature song 'You'll Never Walk Alone' for the last time at the close of the telethon this coming Labor Day Weekend.

Last year 170 television stations carried the telethon feed and donations were almost $59 million. Jerry is as much a part of Labor Day weekend as the proverbial holiday cookout, and it will be a little strange not seeing him on tv next year. Not to mention the fact that Jerry Lewis is an American icon, and the last surviving member of the legendary Rat Pack. Who would have believed he would still be doing it at all, much less for almost half a century! (via USAToday.com)