Stephen Colbert Doesn't Envy Stephen Colbert

By now everyone on the entire planet has heard that Stephen Colbert will be taking over The Late Show when David Letterman retires in 2015. The news practically broke the Internet. The real Stephen Colbert has already given us his reaction to his new gig. But naturally, his outspoken Colbert Report character has to add his own two cents.

The man of the hour did not disappoint. Colbert Report Colbert took the first few minutes of his show to address the news... without actually addressing the news.

Folks, I gotta tell ya one quick thing. I know we have a big show to do, but one thing before we get started there was some big news that slipped through my news crack. And it concerns someone I've admired for years and yet surprisingly is not me. I'm talking about David Letterman, who last Thursday night announced his retirement. I am gonna miss this good man. Dave has been on the air my entire adult life. 'Late Night' debuted my first year of college. I learned more from watching Dave than I did from going to my classes, especially the ones I did not go to because I had stayed up until 1:30 watching Dave. This man has influenced every host who came after him and even a few who came before him, he's that good. And I gotta tell you, I do not envy whoever they try to put in that chair. Folks, those are some huge shoes to fill and some really big pants.

As much as I would have loved to see a woman hosting The Late Show (Oh Maya Rudolph or Chelsea Handler!), ultimately Colbert is a great choice to take over for Letterman. He's intelligent, obviously funny and could bring a fresh take to the late-night talk show scene, provided he brings with him some of the edge of his Colbert Report persona. This quick ode to his soon-to-be predecessor shows Colbert will honor the Late Night chair and Letterman's legacy. Now, how about that bandleader position?