Jerry Lewis retiring as Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon host after 45 years

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.”