MDA Chairman of the Board R. Rodney Howell issued a statement on
August 3, saying that Jerry Lewis “will not be appearing on the telethon”
and “we will not be replacing him as MDA national chairman.” The 85 
year old Lewis had announced in May that he was retiring as host of
the show, which he has done since 1966. Lewis also had said  that he
planned to make his final appearance on this year’s telethon which is 
scheduled for this evening. The nonprofit agency made no explanation
for the moves.