Karl Stefanovic’s touching tribute to David Koch

Karl Stefanovic ran into David Koch at an event at Crown Sydney last night, and jumped on the mic to say a few words about his longtime rival.

Karl Stefanovic speaking at Crown Sydney. Picture: www.scottehler.com

Karl Stefanovic paid tribute to David Koch in person last night, as the Sunrise host prepares to wrap up on breakfast TV.

All the big name morning TV personalities attended an event at Crown Sydney on Wednesday night, including Stefanovic and his Today show co-host Sarah Abo, and Sunrise’s Koch, Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta.

At one stage during the evening, Stefanovic took to the mic to congratulate Koch on his “stellar career”.

“He’s changed the whole way that breakfast news and TV is done in this country, and has allowed someone like me, a loose unit, to come along and also do the same for however long I do it for,” the Channel 9 star said.

After encouraging the crowd to give Koch “a big round of applause,” Stefanovic joked: “to be honest, I’m glad he’s gone”.

Despite being rivals for nearly 20 years, it’s clear there’s a deep respect between Stefanovic and Koch, with the Sunrise host revealing on-air last week that he received “a wonderful, classy, respectful [message]” from the Today show host after announcing his departure.

“(It) was so nice, really adored that one,” Kochie said about the message.

Stefanovic spoke to news.com.au last night after his surprise tribute, and he said that Koch’s resignation had made him think about his own TV future.

“The weirdest thing is, I was just looking at it the other day, Kochie started (on Sunrise) when he was my age,” the Nine host said.

“I’ve done 18 years (on Today), and he started when he was 47 … so am I looking at (another) 40 years? F**k no!” Stefanovic laughed.

The Sunrise team at Crown Sydney. Picture: www.scottehler.com

Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic at Crown Sydney. Picture: www.scottehler.com

The Gold Logie winner also spoke to news.com.au about the new Sunrise co-host, Matt Shirvington.

“I know Shirvo, I met him a few years ago. In fact, he used to live in a place and I rented it straight after him,” Stefanovic said.

“Shirvo’s a great guy and it’s such a big job and it’s such an important job and he’s got really big shoes to fill, but he’s a guy that has shown over the years that he’s more than up to a challenge and I just wish him all the very best.”

When asked what advice he would give Shirvington as he steps into the Sunrise role, Stefanovic replied: “The one thing I’m not going to do is give Shirvo any advice (laughs). He looks like he’s going alright in every capacity, so I do not need to give him advice.”