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The stars — and four presidents — came out last night to bid David Letterman a fond farewell from late night television. Letterman’s very last Late Show was defined by nostalgia for years gone past, and a reverence for the comic’s irreverent brand of humor. In fact, Letterman started his very last monologue with a jab at himself:

“It’s beginning to look like I’m not getting The Tonight Show.”

It was a clever nod to Letterman’s epic battle with Jay Leno in the early ’90s, and a fitting summation of the type of self-depricating comedy that defined Letterman’s entire career. The rest of the monologue continued this with cracks at Scientology, holograms, and Dave’s age.

Letterman’s very last “Top Ten” list was also a sarcastic salute to the man’s persona. Comedy legends and mega stars Alec Baldwin, Barbara Walters, Steve Martin, Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey, Chris Rock, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Peyton Manning, Tina Fey, and Bill Murray delivered the “Top Ten Things I’ve Always Wanted To Say To Dave.”

Who had the best zinger? Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who said “Thanks for letting me take part in another hugely disappointing series finale.” (Sorry, Seinfeld!)

Of course, it wasn’t just Hollywood stars who came out to say goodbye to Dave. One segment opened with footage of Gerald Ford announcing, “Our long national nightmare is over,” and then cut to living Presidents George Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush reiterating the line. Finally, sitting U.S. President Barack Obama added, “Letterman is retiring.”

The show was filled with a unique blend of sarcasm and sentiment, but the very last minutes were perhaps the most bittersweet and heartfelt. Letterman’s favorite band, The Foo Fighters, saluted the host with a live performance of “Everlong,” while highlights of Dave’s 33-year-long late-night career played.

Goodbye, Dave! And no, you’re not ever getting The Tonight Show.

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