Mike Gorman, the longtime television voice of the Celtics, will call his final season in 2023-24 season after an iconic career that spanned more than four decades and saw him cover the likes of Larry Bird, Paul Pierce and Jayson Tatum, NBC Sports Boston announced on Thursday.

The 77-year-old Gorman, a native of Dorchester, has been the Celtics’ primary play-by-play broadcaster since 1981 and is currently the longest tenured play-by-play voice of any professional sports franchise in Boston. He and the late Tommy Heinsohn made up the longest running telecast duo.

“Being the play-by-play voice of the iconic Boston Celtics since 1981 has been a true honor and privilege,” Gorman said in a statement. “When I started on the broadcast team 43 years ago, I could not have dreamed what an amazing journey this would be. A world-class organization like the Boston Celtics and a television partnership which evolved over the years, ultimately allowing me the opportunity to be a part of NBC Sports Boston. Both organizations have been so much more than a job to me, they have been a family and allowed me to meet so many amazing people and forge lifelong friendships. There are so many people to thank for their support, encouragement and guidance over the years. Family, friends, industry contacts, colleagues, peers and many more. So thankful for all of you and a special thanks to the fans.

“Celtics Nation… you are the best and there is no other group of dedicated fans I would have chosen to take this ride with. I very much look forward to my final season with all of you – and thank you again for allowing me to be a part of your lives.”

Gorman, in an interview with The Athletic, said this is just the right time for him to step away from the mic.

“I don’t want to sound phony here, but I’d like to see somebody else have this job,” Gorman told The Athletic. “I can’t be selfish about this. I’ve been doing this for like 41 years now. There’s a part of me that’s like, ‘Michael, let somebody else do this.’”