We didn’t really need to give Jay Leno one more for the road, because his career is merely taking a different route in a few months.

But Friday night did mark a milestone: the end of a 17-year reign of late night despite – or, actually, because of – being the most milquetoast host to sit behind “The Tonight Show” desk.

A relaxed, chipper Leno delivered his final monologue with trademark hands-in-pockets stance, thanking celebs such as Michael Jackson and Monica Lewinsky for providing him with endless material and reeling through some patter – “When I started this show, my hair was black and the president was white.”… “The only thing that hasn’t changed in 17 years? The Clippers still suck.” … “I’m going to a secluded spot where no one can find me—NBC primetime…it’s a gamble, I’m betting that NBC will still be around in three months.”

A highlight, before bringing out “Tonight Show” successor Conan O’Brien, was a Best of Jaywalking package (that and Headlines are such signature bits that NBC, realizing this, is thinking about using those segments as closers for Leno’s fall show as a ploy to retain viewers). But more jarring than those Jaywalking nitwits (“Where do they speak Gaelic?” “Um, San Francisco?”) was seeing a youthful Leno with charcoal hair and almost-George-Clooney looks.

When a seemingly subdued – or nervous?—O’Brien arrived, Leno lavished praised on the beanpole’s comedy writing skills (believe it or not, there was a time when Leno was the sharpest standup on the comedy circuit, so he understands the importance of solid writing), before showing a 30-year-old O’Brien’s first appearance on the show in 1993, when he was tapped to succeed David Letterman on NBC.

O’Brien shared footage of a focus group with senior citizens who weren’t familiar with his shtick and will show more during his first week on the air next week. That in itself might be reason to tune in.

O’Brien also said he’s adapting well to his move to the West Coast from New York, but was a little freaked out by the paparazzi and the “TMZ” camera crews following him out of restaurants.

To signify the official passing of the torch, Leno leaned in and told the new “Tonight Show” host, “You were the only choice, you were the perfect choice, you have been an absolute gentleman in private and in the press,” before the pair walked offstage, backslapping each other in a Kris Allen/Adam Lambert show of bromance.

In keeping with his inoffensive style, Leno chose James Taylor as his final musical guest;  the balladeer crooned “Sweet Baby James” for a slightly melancholy segment (interestingly, Taylor’s new album was propped on Leno’s desk, as if this were just another night for an artist to pimp his latest release).

The performance wasn’t nearly as chill-inducing as Bette Midler’s penultimate swan song to Johnny Carson —her rendition of “One More for the Road” remains one of the most moving tributes in TV history – but it fulfilled its purpose.

In the show’s closing moments, Leno addressed viewers directly, recalling Carson—“Johnny taught me no matter what is happening in the world, you always have to have a monologue prepared” – and pointed out his wife, Mavis, in the crowd.

“I’m leaving this dance with the same girl I came in with,” Leno said, choking up for the first time all night.

And, as an answer to the most common question he said he’s been asked by the press all week – “What is your legacy?” – Leno opted for a response not about comedy, but about family, noting that in 17 years, 68 offspring were born to the show’s staff. The curtain rose, and there they were gathered.

Leno’s sign off as host of “The Tonight Show” host was casual.

He blew a few kisses and waved a few waves. And true to workaholic form, Leno will barely loosen his tie before boarding a plane to Atlantic City, where he performs Saturday night.

It’s going to be a long summer for a guy who never stopped.