After five years of hosting BET's highly rated video countdown show "106 & Park," AJ and Free announced their departure during Thursday's live broadcast of BET's "106 & Park."

While sitting on the famed “106” couch and holding a cellphone with co-host Free on the other line, a tearful AJ told the television and studio audience, “This is our last live show...But this isn’t the last time you’ll see us.”

The two have been a staple on televisions across the country since 106 & Park debuted in 2000 as BET moved its music programming operations from its Washington DC corporate location to facilities located at the corner of 106th Street and Park Avenue in Harlem. Since then, 106 & Park has been a dominant force among video countdown programs, featuring live interviews and performances by the biggest names in music and entertainment; a rocking in-studio audience; and the top music videos as chosen by BET viewers on the BET.com Website.

BET has not made any announcements on future hosts or plans for the show at this time. A pre-taped show hosted by AJ with guest Miami rapper Trina will air on Friday (BET at 6 p.m. (ET/PT)).

"There is nothing like `106 & Park' it's a staple in the African American community for five years and we hope it will continue," AJ said to the audience. "We love you all very much."

Both hosts will go on to pursue other interests. AJ announced that he will be opening a new restaurant, Mahogany, in Brooklyn, N.Y. and will continue working with his management company. AJ also announced that Free said that her Website would also be coming soon.

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