Bear Bryant Question

I was born in '81 and don't know a lot about the Bear beyond standard knowledge. My question is about the end of his career, as a segment this week talked of how Bobby Bowden feared retiring as he had seen others (notably the Bear) die after stopping coaching/work.

My questions:

What was the sentiment when he retired? Was it happy/sad/just the right time?

Was the Bear still hands on and involved, or had he petered out? I'm thinking of involved as more than Bowden, who has been a glorified GM these last few years.

thanks