Larry King to hang up boots

American news channel CNN is preparing for a summertime search to find the successor to host Larry King, who announced suddenly that he’s leaving Larry King Live, the centerpiece of the news network’s lineup for 25 years.

American news channel CNN is preparing for a summertime search to find the successor to host Larry King, who announced suddenly that he’s leaving

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Larry King Live

, the show that has been the centerpiece of the news network’s lineup for 25 years.

Though the host is changing, the channel will keep to the idea of a provocative interview show with newsmakers, CNN US President Jon Klein said. “Nobody else does it,” he said. “It’s an important tool in the arsenal, and we want to keep it going.”

King’s announcement on Tuesday came a couple of weeks after he celebrated his 25th anniversary with a week of shows interviewing President Barack Obama, LeBron James, Bill Gates and Lady Gaga — precisely the unique blend of stars and statesmen he considered the signature of

Larry King Live

.