Sorry for chiming in with a "gut reaction" reply so late, but I just now came across this news. Personally, I did have visions of Bob doing the show until he died (which I've always believed is years away). Nevertheless, now that the news has come, I am actually glad he will be leaving while he's still in good health. Sheesh. Look at the other celebrities at 80+ years of age, and it's amazing he's lasted this long. It will be very, very nice to actually have Bob present and accounted for during the huge tribute they're going to give him at the end of his Price career. I can only imagine the kind of stops they'll be pulling for his big send-off -- celebrity farewells, classic Price clips we haven't seen aired in forever, extended on-camera appearances from people like Roger Dob., Fingers Grecko, and Rich Fields. I'd also love to see Bob make a cameo appearance every now and then as the show continues without him in full swing.
Think the taping schedule will pick up after Bob's replaced by someone with a bit more energy? Didn't they used to tape two shows every day? I've just got to get down to see the show at least once before Bob reminds us to help control the pet population for the final time.