But there were no tears; just jokes, celebrations and celebrities.
No moments of deep introspection; just his usual sarcastic, self-deprecating humor with a tinge of nostalgia.
Rock band Foo Fighters crooned his favorite song, "Everlong," the same number they performed for him when he returned from heart surgery.
And as tributes poured in from the likes of President Barack Obama, Chris Rock and Tina Fey, Letterman quipped, "Do me a favor. Save a little for my funeral."
His fans took to social media to do anything but. And unlike him, some were in tears.
Actress Elizabeth Banks said it was hard to watch the final episode of Letterman's "Late Show."
"He hasn't said a word and I'm crying," she said.
