Some airlines might be saying that the 747 is history but that is probably
PR for saying that they are buying new machines and want to make out that old = bad.
On the other hand, some carriers are trumpting the refurbishment of their 747s. VS have just emailed me with links to the refurbishment of 744 'Barbarella' (and what appears to be a D-check) and her return to service with the latest seating and in flight entertainment systems. (Rather than advertise for them, you can search for B's refit on a Tube that is near You.)
Long live the 747!