NBC MAKES IT OFFICIAL: LENO WILL REPLACE JOHNNY CARSON

Heeeeeere's Jay.

NBC announced Thursday that Jay Leno will take over as host of "The Tonight Show" when Johnny Carson retires next year."We are happy to have Jay Leno, one of the most talented comedians in the business, as Johnny's successor," Warren Littlefield, president of NBC Enterprises and executive vice president of NBC Productions, said.

Leno, 41, has been exclusive guest host of "The Tonight Show" for the past three years.

"Leno has proven extremely popular with the late-night audience, and we are confident that the show will continue its late-night dominance for many, many years," Littlefield said.

Carson, whose last show will be May 22, said through an NBC spokesman: "I wish Jay all the success in the world. He's a bright young performer, and I think along with David Letterman - who has proven his staying power for the last 10 years - NBC will have a great late-night lineup."

The New York Daily News said Letterman, once considered Carson's heir apparent, was described by an unnamed source as "fit to be tied" when told of Leno's appointment.

Carson's company produces "Tonight" and, in association with NBC, the Letterman show. The News said "Tonight" brings in an estimated $60 million annually for the network, which is 15 percent of NBC's revenue.

"Johnny's the best at what he does," Leno told USA Today.