Stephen Colbert Sets Date For Final ‘Colbert Report’ Before Taking Over ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ [VIDEO]

As sad as it is, we all knew it was coming. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Stephen Colbert's last Colbert Report episode will be Thursday, Dec. 18 before heading off to take over CBS' Late Show with David Letterman in 2015.

Colbert reportedly made the announcement on his Comedy Central hit around the time of he mentioned the paperback release of his book America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't.

Kicking off the announcement with a whole heap of energy – filled with Rick Flair-like woos and various thank yous to the crowd – Colbert began with, "Welcome to the Report! Nation, I am so glad you are here tonight because the world is swept up in the gripping news story about the threat of Ebola. But I talked about that on Monday, so I've done my part. Let's move onto a much bigger story –– ME!"

The host then began talking up the paperback release, saying that fans should purchase the book for themselves, loved ones and also the ones they're not too fond of whether they've already bought the hardcover copy already or not! But of course, he cited a more important reason everyone should buy the book –– "...because on Dec. 18, my show is ending."

Check out the announcement below:

It's crazy to think that the Colbert Report has been on for nine years. And while it's sad to see it end, we can rest assured knowing the host won't be off the air long. Colbert will be back to take over Letterman's Late Show spot in 2015.

Who knows, perhaps his time off is just the amount of time YOU need to read that book of his?