Famous international faces, singers, actors, athletes, radio stars and politicians have delivered touching messages to David Koch, 67, who stepped down from Sunrise on Friday as the longest-serving host of any show in the world, with lots of tears, hugs and a huge cake.
Kochie, as he has become famously known, announced last week he was stepping down from the top-rating breakfast show after 21 years and more than 5,300 shows.
He told viewers it was time to “hang up the boots” as he turned his attention to his extended family, his businesses and as chairman of the Port Adelaide AFL club.
Sunrise host David Koch with his co-cost Natalie Barr on Friday as he bid farewell to the morning breakfast show he has hosted for more than two decades. Picture: Channel 7
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The program kicked off at 5:30am with his co-host Natalie Barr describing Friday as a “very special morning”, with a big line-up of stars sending their well-wishes to Kochie.
American singer Carrie Underwood, Australian vocalists Daryl Braithwaite and Delta Goodrem, radio stars Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, former prime minister Kevin Rudd, billionaire businessman Richard Branson, and some of the Port Adelaide players were among the faces to record or pen special tributes.
But it was a letter from British actress Dame Julie Andrews which shocked Kochie.
“I am thinking of you today,” the letter from The Sound of Music star read.
“For 21 years you have set to bar for the most popular show in Australia. Your humour, enthusiasm and kindness has been ever-present and I know that everyone thanks you for being the special person that you are, as do I.
“I am sending many hugs to you as you embark on the next chapter of your life. May it be joyous and fulfilling. Fondest love to you Kochie.”
A montage of messages from guests played throughout the morning either before or after advertisement breaks or following the news and sport.
Hollywood legend and the star of The Sound of Music Dame Julie Andrews wrote a special letter to Kochie for his final show. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
But it was the touching well-wishes from his grandchildren, who were in the Sydney studio, that brought Kochie to tears on numerous occasions.
“He is always very kind and always gives us advice and tactics for our sport game… always supportive and he has taught us to have a half glassful perspective,” one said.
“I’ll miss waking up to watching you on TV, but I’m really excited to see you at sport games and school events. Enjoy your retirement,” another added.
“We’re excited you’re retiring and to spend more time with us because you spent more time at Channel 7. I love you poppy,” a third child said to their grandfather.
Kochie is reunited with Beaconsfield miners Brant Webb and Todd Russell on Friday. The Sunrise host previously said it was one of the most memorable moments of his career when he hopped into the ambulance to talk to Russell who emerged from the mine after two weeks. Picture: Sunrise
Kochie was also joined on the couch by Brant Webb and Todd Russell, the two miners who made global headlines after being trapped underground in Beaconsfield, Tasmania, for almost two weeks following a gold mine collapse in 2006.
Kochie described it as one of his most memorable moments on breakfast TV, after he was invited into the ambulance by Mr Russell who was a diehard Sunrise fan.
“It’s pretty amazing to sit here and look at that footage after 17 years and I still remember the day we came out and Kochie was there and I invited him into the ambulance and gave him that tag. It’s a special moment to be back,” Mr Russell said.
Kochie’s two other former co-hosts in Melissa Doyle and Samantha Armytage also made a one-off appearance, speaking about his “extraordinary” career.
He was then treated to a guard of honour by network colleagues, his on-air co-stars and his replacement Matt Shirvington, as he left his dressing room for one final time.
The AFL fanatic was later in the morning surprised with a 20-year commemorative banner which he walked through with his children and grandkids, as dozens of Sydneysiders watching outside the Martin Place studios cheered.
Kochie and his family walked through a Sunrise AFL-style banner as he is honoured for his 20 years on television. Picture: Supplied
The proud father and granddad surrounded by his children and grandkids on the couch at the Sydney studio. Picture: Supplied
Co-host Natalie Barr broke down into tears and struggled to get through her final tear-jerking tribute to Kochie. Picture: Sunrise/Channel 7
Barr’s final words to her departing co-host at the end of the show also left their loyal viewers and Kochie’s family in tears.
“In a world that tells us everyday how to act and what to say, you have shown Australia that what is important is being yourself,” she struggled to say through tears.
“It sounds easy, but I believe the hardest thing to do in this job is to listen. You do that for every guest, every single day, because you care about people, you are interested in their lives. You have shown us all a workplace, even a TV show, can have a heart and soul.
“It is an incredible legacy and a proud foundation for the future of Sunrise. People ask me everywhere I go, every single day: ‘What is Kochie really like?’
“He is emotional, more than you would think. He shows us that in the end, family is all that matters because he lives for his – and Port Adelaide.”
He was joined by the wider Sunrise crew, his on-air colleagues and his family who flew in from across the country to be with him on his final day. Picture: Sunrise/Facebook
Barr continued to describe Kochie as a “leader” who is “proud” of the show, which started small and has grown into the juggernaut it is today because of him.
“We have travelled across Australia around the world, and through thousands and thousands of hours of live television, we have laughed and we have cried,” she said.
“What’s he really like? He is one of the best friends I will ever have in my life. I know there will be many more years together, they will just look different. Congratulations.”
Kochie signed off for one last time by thanking the network, the wider Sunrise crew and his family who have continually supported his career over the two decades.
“It has been a buzz. It has been the most spectacular job, been the biggest adventure. I’ve loved it. Couldn’t have done it alone,” the 67-year-old said.
“Family, that’s the most important thing and they have been there for me through the best times and the worst times and we have stuck together and all I can say is have your priorities and get them right. Thanks for having me.”
Shirvington, a former Olympian-turned-presenter and an ex Sky News Australia and Fox Sports host, will take Kochie’s seat from Monday.