The Nutty Professor star announced plans to bow out of the annual charity TV fundraiser in September (11) after 45 years, but bosses at the MDA have confirmed Lewis will not appear to sing his swan song.

Chairman Dr. R. Rodney Howell says, ""We will not be replacing him as MDA national chairman, and he will not be appearing on the telethon.""

A reason for Lewis' relinquishing his role as host a year early has not been specified.

The telethon has raised over $2 billion for Muscular Dystrophy since it began in 1966.