Garrison Keillor Sez It's Time To Retire

Garrison Keillor

Garrison Keillor, creator and longtime host of "A Prairie Home Companion," says the next season of the popular radio show will be his last as host.

The 72-year-old Keillor has announced his retirement before, then reconsidered. But he told The Associated Press on Monday that this time, he's certain.

Keillor says he's chosen musician Chris Thile to succeed him as host in September 2016. His final show as host will be in July 2016.

Keillor says he'll remain as executive producer and the show will continue to have a Midwestern feel. But his weekly monologue and recurring skits, such as private eye Guy Noir and hapless cowboys Dusty and Lefty, won't be part of it.

Keillor says he has "a lot of other things that I want to do."