Jay Leno has officially stepped down as Tonight Show host, with last night being his talk show host swan song. Jay Leno held the post for 17 years, and is officially passing the torch to Conan O’Brien, who paid his dues in the later spot for the past 16 years. Jay will resume his snarking with a new hour-long show in the 10 p.m. spot on NBC.

more Leno and O’Brien photos after the hop…

As usmagazine.com reports, Jay took a series of swipes at the pop culture figures that in many ways cemented his career.

“You know, this is our last show after 17 years – I want to thank all the people that made it possible – Michael Jackson, Monica Lewinksy, Bill Clinton,” he told the cheering audience. “Seventeen years. Do you realize when I started this show, my hair was black and the president was white. Did you know that?”