LOS ANGELES (AP) - Johnny Carson didn't invent the late-night TV talk show but he made the most of it.

His ''Tonight Show'' monologues, celebrity banter and the corny but winning skits all had the Carson touch of heartland charm and humor that remained on the polite side of risque.

When he died Sunday, his quiet retirement of nearly 13 years hadn't dimmed the memory of his three decades as king of late-night or the admiration of entertainers and others.

''All of us who came after are pretenders. We will not see the likes of him again,'' said David Letterman, host of CBS' ''Late Show.''

President Bush described Carson as ''a steady and reassuring presence in homes across America for three decades. His wit and insight made Americans laugh and think and had a profound influence on American life and entertainment.''

Carson died early Sunday morning, according to his nephew, Jeff Sotzing. He did not provide further details, but NBC said Carson died of emphysema - a respiratory disease that can be attributed to smoking - at his Malibu home.

Carson often had a cigarette in hand in the early years of ''Tonight,'' eventually dropping the on-air habit when smoking on TV became frowned on. But he remained a heavy smoker for some years afterward, said a former associate who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The boyish-looking Nebraska native with the disarming grin, who survived every attempt to topple him from his late-night talk show throne, was a star who managed never to distance himself from his audience.

His wealth, the adoration of his guests - particularly the many young comics whose careers he launched, like Letterman - the wry tales of multiple divorces: Carson's air of modesty made it all serve to enhance his bedtime intimacy with viewers.

''Heeeeere's Johnny!'' was the booming announcement from sidekick Ed McMahon that ushered Carson out to the stage. Then the formula: the topical monologue, the guests, the odd animals, the broadly played skits such as ''Carnac the Magnificent.''

But America never tired of him; Carson went out on top when he retired in May 1992. Actress-singer Bette Midler, who memorably serenaded Carson on his next-to-last show with ''One More For My Baby,'' recalled him warmly Sunday.

''I was his last guest, and it was one of the most moving experiences of my life. He had it all. A little bit of devil, a whole lot of angel, wit, charm, good looks, superb timing and great, great class,'' Midler said in a statement.

His generosity to up-and-coming comics who got their big break on ''Tonight'' was lauded by Bill Cosby and others.

''Johnny was responsible for the beginning and the rise of success for more performers than anyone. I doubt if those numbers will ever be surpassed,'' Cosby said in a statement.