It's our top ten list: quotes from Letterman's last 'Late Show' ever

If you're of a certain age, David Letterman has been a constant in your life – as much of a certainty as death and taxes. You might've even imagined what it would be like sitting in the chair next to him on The Late Show, telling jokes to make him laugh as he touches his glasses and you drop punch lines that warrant rimshots from the CBS Orchestra.

No, we never thought it would end. At least not before we got to sit across from that old-timey RCA DX 77 microphone.

But the sad truth is, after 33 years, the late-night host has retired. And we couldn't think of a better way to honor him than with our own top ten list of things said during his farewell episode.

10. "People say to me, 'Dave, when did you know it was time to retire?' And I say, 'Well, there were signs.' There's always signs along the way, and I think one of the signs was Tod the cue card kid came up to me, and he said, 'For the love of God, Dave I can't write the words any bigger.'" – Letterman's opening monologue

9. "Did you notice me standing next to Peyton Manning? It's like we're twins." – Letterman to Paul Shaffer

8. "Earlier today we got a call from Stephen Hawking, and he, bless his heart, had done the math, because he's a genius and stuff, and 6,028 shows and he ran the numbers, and he said it works out to about eight minutes of laughter." – Letterman's opening monologue

7. "Honestly, Dave I've always found you to be a bit of an over-actor." - Jim Carrey for the last top ten list: things I've always wanted to say to Dave.

6. "I'm just glad your show is being given to another white guy." – Chris Rock, top ten list

5. "I don't know where the confusion happened. I don't know where it began, but my son keeps saying, 'Why does Daddy have to go to prison?'" – Letterman's opening monologue

4. "In light of all of this praise, merited or not, do me a favor: save a little for my funeral, alright? I'd appreciate it." – Letterman's goodbye

3. "Thanks for finally proving men can be funny." – Tina Fey, top ten list

2. "The people who watch this show, there's nothing I can do to ever repay you. Thank you for everything. You've given me everything." – Letterman's goodbye

1. "It's beginning to look like I'm not gonna get The Tonight Show." – Letterman's opening monologue

So goodbye and #ThanksDave from the bottom of our hearts.