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Opinion: Should we really glorify Larry King?

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A coterie of high-profile names joined Larry King for the final taping of ‘Larry King Live.’ Barbara Walters joked about no longer having to compete with him for interviews. Tony Bennett sang ‘The Best Is Yet to Come.’ In typical fashion, Dr. Phil asked King how he was handling the whole ordeal. And Bill Maher seemed humbled by the legend (though he did steal a moment to ask Bill Clinton why he’s never agreed to appear on his HBO show, ‘Real Time with Bill Maher.’) Perhaps the most touching (albeit hokey) moment was Katie Couric’s poem that she co-wrote with King’s executive producer, Wendy Walker. Some highlights from our friends over at Ministry of Gossip:

Your unique take on politics, culture and crime, never cutting off guests -- except for Barbara -- always giving them time. You made NAFTA exciting, and that’s hard to do. And you scored Paris Hilton’s post-jail interview. Sinatra, George Clooney, Clint Eastwood, Bacall. So many stars, I just can’t name them all. From Heather Mills’ leg to Ross Perot’s twang, you always cajole, not harass or harangue. [Watch the video here.]

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Our columnist Meghan Daum also paid tribute to the longtime host. Although the commentary was less fawning. ‘Instead of glorifying the man, let’s simply thank him and wish him well. We owe him no less -- and no more.’

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-- Alexandra Le Tellier

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