Jon Stewart leaving ‘The Daily Show’: Read a transcipt of his remarks

On Tuesday, Jon Stewart shocked fans by announcing he would be leaving his job as host of “The Daily Show,� a position he’s held since 1999. Fighting back tears, he explained the decision at the end of Tuesday’s show with the following remarks:

“Doug Herzog and Michele Ganeless of Comedy Central gave me an incredible opportunity 17 years ago to pilot this wonderful franchise. Seventeen years is the longest in my life I have ever held a job in my life by 16 years and five months, the upshot there being I am a terrible employee, but in my heart I know it is time for someone else to have that opportunity. Not right away -- we’re still working out details. I’m up in September, might be around then. Might be December, might be July. We’re still working out details. I don’t have any specific plans, I’ve got a lot of ideas, got a lot of things in my head.

“I’m going to have dinner on a school night with my family, who I have heard from multiple sources are lovely people. You know, I’m not going to be here and try to sum up what this place has meant to me over the years. I couldn’t do that ... I’m not going anywhere tomorrow.

“But this show doesn’t deserve an even slightly restless host, and neither do you. I don’t think I’m going to miss being on television every day. I’m going to miss coming here every day. This is where ... I love the people here, they’re the best. They’re creative, they’re collaborative, they’re kind. That’s alliterative but it’s cheating because it’s a ‘k,’ but you understand what I’m saying. I love them and respect them so much. Anyway. What is this fluid? What are these feelings? Frankenstein angry!

“It’s been an absolute privilege, it’s been the honor of my professional life, and I thank you for watching it, for hate-watching it, for whatever reason you are tuning in for. You get in this business with the idea that maybe you have a point of view and something to express and to receive feedback from that is the greatest feeling you can ask for, and I thank you.�

You can watch the video here.

Follow @MeredithBlake on Twitter