David Letterman announced his plan to retire in 2015 during Thursday afternoon's taping of The Late Show.

News of the announcement, which will air Thursday night, was first tweeted by R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills, who is one of tonight's musical guests.

CNN, Variety, and CBS News later confirmed the announcement. Letterman has hosted the Late Show With David Letterman on CBS since August 30, 1993; before moving to CBS, he hosted Late Night on NBC for more than ten years.

[Image via AP]