Jerry Lewis at the MDA telethon, 2010

(AP)- After 45 years promoting treatment and a cure for children he calls
“my kids,” comedian Jerry Lewis announced Monday he is retiring as host
of the Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon that has become
synonymous with his name. Lewis, 85, issued a statement through the
association calling it “time for an all new Telethon era.””As a labor of love,
I’ve hosted the annual Telethon since 1966 and I’ll be making my final
appearance on the show this year by performing my signature song, `You’ll
Never Walk Alone,”‘ Lewis said of a shortened six-hour primetime broadcast
scheduled for Sept. 4. Lewis, a Las Vegas resident, has in recent years
battled a debilitating back condition, heart issues and the crippling lung
disease pulmonary fibrosis. He said he’ll continue serving as national
Muscular Dystrophy Association chairman, as he’s done since the
early 1950s.

From left to right: Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Jerry Lewis at the
1976 MDA telethon held the at the Sahara in Las Vegas. Sinatra was
the one who orchestrated the reunion of Martin and Lewis.