"You are the I have to thank for this," Hayden said.
Hayden said he has gotten thousands of social media messages wishing him well.
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"It was like going to my own funeral, which was weird," he said. "Because were saying nice things to me."
Troy Hayden leaves Fox 10:'So many memories'
Hayden announced on June 26 that he was leaving the station after 30 years. He said then and again on Friday's show that he would go to work at another station in metro Phoenix, but didn't say which one. He will start Aug. 1, he said on Friday's show.
Others dropped by to say goodbye to Hayden. Well, that wasn't the real reason actor Jerry O'Connell was there. He was in Phoenix for his daughters' volleyball tournament and took the time to pitch "Pictionary," the game show he hosts, and to play a round of the game.
But he did congratulate Hayden. "I didn't realize I was here on such a historical day," O'Connell said, shaking Hayden's hand. "Seriously, 30 years. That's incredible."
Earlier in the show, Tim Hattrick of KNIX dropped in by video for his regular visit and told Hayden how sorry he was that he was leaving, and gave him a musical send-off. Yes.
"I know you know this, but for everybody here, and me especially, in the words of Dolly Parton and Whitney Houson, 'I Will Always Love You.'" Then Hayden and Rodriguez talked him into singing it.
"Who on earth can fill your shoes?" Hattrick said.
"They'll find somebody," Hayden said. "This is a super strong show. ... Everything's going to be fine."
