VIDEO: Larry announces his retirement
Even Gov. Pat McCrory called to talk to Larry personally Friday evening.
Social media also lit up with comments on Larry's departure immediately after the announcement.
Here are just a few from Twitter:
#LarryStogner my prayers are with you and your family.... You are an inspiration to all that watch @ABC11_WTVD
— Ann Alston (@AnnAlston1) January 24, 2015
@ABC11_WTVD I may live in PDX now, but I grew up watching #LarryStogner. Came home tonight, saw the clip & cried. God bless you, Larry!
— Sarah Salter (@sarahmsalter) January 24, 2015
God bless @StognerABC11. You will be missed on the air. Prayers for you and yours.
— Todd Conard (@TCinNC) January 23, 2015
Praying for Larry Stogner and his family. So heartbreaking. God is bigger and stronger than all of it. @ABC11_WTVD http://t.co/pcymRp2bRL
— Molly Stillman (@stillbeingmolly) January 24, 2015
Im sad to hear the news that North Carolina Broadcasting Legend #LarryStogner is currently battling ALS wishing you and @ABC11_WTVD the best
— Captain (@LawrenceGerald1) January 24, 2015
Sorry to hear the news about #LarryStogner. He was my #VietnamVeteran pen pal in my Lessons of Vietnam class in HS. pic.twitter.com/Km35jFffYa
— wes brown (@wesleycbrown) January 23, 2015
Facebook also brought well wishes and good luck for Larry:
Larry has anchored the 6 p.m. news at ABC11 continuously since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving anchors in the nation.
In its prepared statement, ABC11 announced plans to honor Larry Stogner's legacy with a full week of special stories starting February 2 at 6 p.m. and culminating with Mr. Stogner appearing for one final broadcast on February 6 at 6 p.m.