Revelation of Carson's Jokes Used by Letterman

In early 2005, the late-night television landscape was shaken by the revelation that Johnny Carson, the iconic host of 'The Tonight Show,' had occasionally sent jokes to David Letterman, who would incorporate them into his monologues. This disclosure came from CBS senior vice president Peter Lassally, who noted that Carson regarded Letterman as his 'rightful successor,' a sentiment that highlighted the deep respect Carson had for Letterman's comedic talent. Following Carson's passing, the first episode of Letterman's show featured an emotional tribute, with all the opening monologue jokes being penned by Carson himself. This poignant moment underscored the significant influence Carson had on Letterman's career and comedic style. Throughout the years, Letterman had also embraced some of Carson's signature bits, such as 'Carnac the Magnificent' and 'Stump the Band,' further solidifying the legacy of Carson's humor in the realm of late-night television. The bond between these two comedic giants remains a testament to the enduring impact of Carson's work on future generations of comedians.