Jay Leno has said an emotional goodbye to "The Tonight Show".

The comedian, who's hosted the show since taking over from Johnny Carson in 1992, was joined by Billy Crystal.

SOUNDBITE Performer, Billy Crystal, saying (English):

"You were America's nightlight. You helped us through good times and bad. The country would stay up at night for the monologue to hear you put the news in your perspective. When it was announced recently that America's No. 1 domestic terrorist had been captured, who told us it was Justin Bieber? You did."

Crystal then led a comic rendition of "The Sound of Music" classic "So Long, Farewell", which included a guest appearance from Jack Black.

Fans with and without tickets gathered outside studios in Burbank for the comedian's send-off.

SOUNDBITE Jay Leno fan, Mike McCloskey, saying (English):

"I think he's had a good run, I think it's time for a change, he thinks it's time for a change, I think it's going to be great."