ST. PAUL, Minn – As Garrison Keillor rehearsed for his final Prairie Home Companion show at the Fitzgerald Theater, his script was still a work in progress.

“In this line of work, it’s in never quite good enough,” Keillor said after singing at the piano.

For Keillor, that's how it's been for 42 years. Preparing for his last live show from the Fitzgerald Theater Saturday night, he’s crafting and editing a show that not only focuses on his farewell, but what’s still waiting to be written.

“It really is about what you do when you get up first thing in the morning, and what I do is to sit and write,” said Keillor. “It's very lucky to have work you love and there is no way not to love doing this, to do comedy and be able to sing duets and to talk about a small town. You stop because you want to do something else, want to live a different kind of a life.”

Keillor’s family will be in the audience as his show tributes many of the influences in his storied career, which began in 1974, which was then known as the World Theater. Many of the show’s earliest guests, like Vern Sutton, will be on the roster, along with another favorite Prairie Home blues musician, Taj Mahal.

The show will be based on a beloved old broadcaster coming back home and being invited in the theater.

“Here are all of these old characters from radio and I’m saying, 'No, no, no I’m not ready, no please no.' I hope it’s funny,” said Keillor. “Then we will do Donald Trump because he’s irresistible and how can you help it?”

What's brought Keillor most joy on this stage over an era is by far the good company.

“Singing with tall women, singing with any women, short or tall, singing duets with women,” he said. “And that's the honest truth, the rest I can do, you know?”

So Keillor’s last show at the Fitzgerald will indeed feature duets.

Many of his faithful wonder what will happen to the News from Lake Wobegon, which he’s delivered for 41 years. Keillor says he’s writing a screenplay to take the small town to the big screen, but of course, is leaving more mystery of the fate of the town.

“It’s up near Little Falls not near far from Brainerd in the center of the state. I don’t know what will happen to it, I hope they will keep the Lutheran church in business, and our Lady of Perpetual Responsibility, and I wish them well,” said Keillor.

Keillor said the magic of the mythical town and all the success that has come from it can be attributed his earliest influences, his beloved teachers.

“I went to Anoka High School, these teachers, I can remember them, exactly what happened, on a particular day. The rest is a blur, but I remember these things they told me and the encouragement of teachers is what changes your life. Suddenly you think you can do something,” said Keillor. “They don’t realize how magical they are, but it’s true.”

Now the boy from Anoka forever changes the story of Minnesota. Next perhaps, he'll work on a musical and a weekly column.

“I grew up reading columns in print, now that's gone by the wayside but I don't care,” he laughed.

A fabled career, but far from goodbye, as Keillor eagerly turns the page. Next season, musician Chris Thile takes over as host while Keillor stays in an executive producer role. Keillor applauded Thile’s performance at a recent show.

“A huge crowd of much younger people on average than would come to my show, wildly enthusiastic. It was a very different show than the show I do, but was very intense and has great possibility. He is a really a genius not only musically, but has a big heart and loves music,” said Keillor.

Keillor has added a May 21 broadcast from the State Theatre, and will continue to travel the country, heading to cities like Milwaukee and New York City, until his last show Friday, July 1 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.

Tickets to the State Theater show go on sale March 18 at hennepintheatretrust.org.