Michael Weatherly is admitting that death will come to his Tony DiNozzo character in his final "NCIS" episode.

"Part of him dies. I do know that there is death," Weatherly recently told reporters during a tear-jerking interview where he openly discusses his upcoming exit. "I wrote down a long series of ideas and feelings and everything [last summer] and I realized, 'Oh, DiNozzo has to go. Time for him to graduate."

After 13 seasons of starring on TV's most watched drama series, Weatherly recently announced he would be leaving the show at the end of the season to pursue other interests. Since then, the tears and speculation over his fate have only swelled.

Weatherly didn't reveal many details about what actually comes of DiNozzo, but he did drop what could be conceived as several more dark hints.

Weatherly Sees Character Exiting the Same way He Came

"I hope that everybody out in fanland understands that this was the natural way for DiNozzo to leave," he added. "DiNozzo leaves NCIS the same way he came, which is my cryptic little puzzle message to the fans."

Network officials have known about Weatherly's plans for months, but there are still moments when execs still can't seem to fatthom him not being on set.

"He is a valued part of the CBS family, and the immense charm and talent he brings to the screen as Very' Special Agent Tony DiNozzo has helped make NCIS what it is today - the No. 1 drama in the world," the network said in a statement at the time. "We thank Michael for all of his contributions to this successful franchise."

Later, Weatherly shared his deep fondest for the show kept him from facing what he knew had to happen.

"The character had to leave at some point," he said. "I should've left years ago, but I was having so much fun I overstayed my welcome horribly - like that guest who won't leave and keeps digging into your fridge."

Cote de Pablo Will not be Returning for DiNozzo's Exit

Starring Mark Harmon, the season finale of "NCIS" airs on CBS on Tuesday, May 17, at 8 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, show producers have also announced that Cote de Pablo's Agent Ziva David will not be among the guest stars appearing on the series for Weatherly's swan song.

A recent TVLine poll revealed fans wanted to see DiNozzo "ride off into the sunset" with Agent David.

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