The stars were out in full force for the finale of the 53-year-old Spanish-language TV show "Sábado Gigante."

Airing on Univision, the live, three-hour extravaganza was billed as a tribute sendoff to legendary and beloved host Don Francisco, born Mario Kreutzberger. Star after star and dignitary after dignitary feted the 74-year-old Chilean-born host during the spirited telecast.

According to KTLA, Enrique Iglesias, Paulina Rubio, Espinoza Paz, Daddy Yankee, Gloria Estefan and Luis Fonsi all staged live performances, while Shakira and Marc Anthony also made appearances.

In addition, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama sent best wishes in one video clip, as did Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in another.

As an overflow live studio audience looked on, Francisco was also presented with several awards, including one from Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida and a Guiness World Record certification for the show's standing as the longest-running weekly variety show in TV history.

"It is with great pride that I bring this historic run of 'Sabado Gigante' to an end after 53 years, in which I have felt privileged," Kreutzberger said in a statement. "I have had the honor of reaching the homes of millions of families over more than five decades with the program, which has left an indelible mark on my personal history and on the history of television in the world."

As the day of the final broadcast neared, an emotional Iglesias joined many others in feeling compelled to reach out his hand in gratitude to the beloved host.

"Fifty-three years on TV is easy to say, but it's an incredible record," he said. "Don Francisco will always be unique and irreplaceable. I am so grateful because I started my career on the show and I'm sure a lot of my colleagues will agree with me that he has been like a father figure to all of us."