While discussing Iconic Moments in Television recently, I argued that one of the biggest emotional wallops (we're talking show biz here, not news or politics), was Johnny Carson's second to last Tonight Show (his final with guests), in May of 1992, where Bette Midler serenaded him with a couple songs. Hard to believe it's been almost 16 years. I own The Ultimate Carson Collection on DVD (highly recommended), and these final moments never fail to move me to tears. The same can be said of Bette -- if you watch carefully, at the end of the second song, she rushes off stage before completely losing it.

For those not old enough to remember, Johnny Carson was the King of late night television for 30 years. All others are pretenders to the throne. All right, David Letterman comes close -- don't get me started on Jay Leno.

For those who do remember, here are a couple clips for you. Fair warning -- keep the Kleenex handy. Enjoy.

WORDSLINGER'S NOTE 5/2/2011 – I am having trouble embedding Google videos on this site, hence the teeny tiny vids posted below, which won't even play.  To watch these in their entirety, please click on over to my Examiner Pop Culture News page.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

BETTE MIDLER BIDS JOHNNY CARSON ADIEU - clip one
You Made Me Watch You



BETTE MIDLER BIDS JOHNNY CARSON ADIEU - clip two
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)