David ‘Kochie’ Koch has signed off from Seven‘s Sunrise after 21 years behind the desk.
See Also: Matt Shirvington named as Kochie’s Sunrise replacement
In a celebration that involved the whole Koch family, balloons, songs, a whole lot of trips down memory lane, and a message from Dame Julie Andrews, the final words went to Sunrise co-host Nat Barr and to Koch himself.
Edwina Bartholomew, Natalie Barr, Kochie and Mark Baretta
Kochie with his letter from Dame Julie Andrews
Barr, Koch and PM Anthony Albanese
Beaconsfield mine disaster survivors Todd Russell and Grant Webb
“In a world that tells us what to say and how to act, you have shown Australia what is important,” Barr said, tearing up.
“I believe the hardest thing to do is listen, and you do that every day, because you care. You do that for every guest. You care about people and their lives, you are interested in the guests, and everyone. It’s an incredible legacy.
“We’ve travelled across Australia through thousands and thousands of hours of live television – we have laughed and laughed, and cried quite a few times too. Everywhere I go, people ask ‘What’s he really like?’. He’s one of the best friends, and I will treasure the years we have had together. We will have many more years together, they’ll just look a little bit different.”
Koch with Mel Doyle
Koch and Samantha Armytage
www.scottehler.com
Finally, standing in front of a Sunrise cake topped with a little model of himself, Kochie signed off from the show for the last time.
“It has been such an adventure, from 21 years ago when we just had a little idea for a show. I’ve made some incredible mates here at Channel Seven and particularly at Sunrise. You gave us a chance, our viewers – you got us, you got our sense of humour, you got what we stood for. What we do is a bull crap job compared with paramedics and first responders and stuff like that, but if we can entertain you and do some good, that’s what we’re here for. That is the heart of Sunrise,” Koch said.
“All I can say is thank you. Thank you for having me in your lounge rooms and your kitchen for 21 years.”
After thanking his family and the behind-the-scenes crew – and promising his granddaughter Matilda that he could still get her Taylor Swift tickets despite not being on the show – Koch left the show with one final message.
“This family that I have, they’re the most important thing and they’ve been there for me through the best times and the worst times. All I can say is: have your priorities, and get it right. Thank you for having me.”
Koch with wife Libby (to his right) and surrounded by their children and grandchildren
Koch outside of Seven’s Martin Place studios
Koch with the Sunrise family
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Top image: David Koch surrounded by his family and Sunrise team