Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not come out (for prayer) for three days. After the iqamah, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) led the people in prayer. the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) raised the curtain, and we never saw a more beautiful sight than when the face of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) appeared before us. the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) signalled to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to lead the congregation, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) let the curtain fall, and after that he could not come out until he passed away.
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الصلاة / 5045