Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa are saying goodbye on Ryan’s last day as a co-host on ‘Live.’
After six seasons, Ryan Seacrest has officially said goodbye to “Live With Kelly and Ryan.” His last show aired this morning. It was an emotional time for both Ryan Seacrest and his co-host Kelly Ripa, and they shed plenty of tears.
In February, the 48-year-old TV host shared that he was leaving the morning talk show. He said it was a tough decision, and he called it “bittersweet.” Ryan Seacrest lives in Los Angeles, and hosting “Live” in New York became a challenge because of all the time he spent flying between the two cities. He also hosts “American Idol” in Los Angeles.
He explained to Variety last month, “The many hours I spent each year flying became a lot. It was longer than I expected, but it’s because of Kelly and the great people here. I had told Kelly over the last couple of years, ‘This is not going to be something that’s right for me forever for all the obvious geographical reasons,’ and she understood it.”
Even though Seacrest had his reasons for leaving the show, saying goodbye was still emotional. In the final episode, both hosts got teary while sharing emotional messages.
Seacrest said, “I know how lucky I am to have been on this show for the last six years. I’ve spent my whole career talking, but today it’s tough to express how much I’ve valued being here and being with you, invited into your homes every day. I feel honored to be part of this family.”
Kelly Ripa also got emotional saying her goodbye to Ryan.
“I just want to say a few words to you. It’s on behalf of myself and all of us — but mostly me,” Ripa said. “This has, without question, been the fastest six years of my life. And although you and I have been friends for decades and decades, I feel like I’ve gained through this process a younger brother/oldest son.”
“I am so grateful that our success together on this show has led to us developing an even closer — yet codependent — relationship.”
Kelly Ripa had beautiful things to say about Seacrest. She praised his goodness, kindness, charm, brilliance, authenticity, and generosity. Even though it was an emotional moment, she added some humor.
She joked, “We reserve the right as a company to tease you on social media, and we’ll all keep our same mailing addresses just in case there’s a wedding invitation someday.”
But then she got serious, saying, “From the bottom of my heart and from all our hearts, we just want to thank you for being wonderful. You’re an original, authentic part of this show. You’re forever our family. We’re not saying goodbye; we’re only saying see you soon. I love you.”
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The special guest on the last show was the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden. Ryan Seacrest’s family, including his parents, sister Meredith, and his girlfriend Aubrey Paige, were there too.
The episode had two video clips: one showing fun and memorable moments from Ryan Seacrest’s time on the show, and another with more emotional moments.
The show already has a new co-host lined up, and it’s someone Kelly Ripa knows well: her husband, Mark Consuelos. At the end of the show, Consuelos came with a special cake, and Seacrest symbolically passed on his hosting role by giving him his mug.
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Ryan Seacrest started hosting the show in 2017, taking over from Michael Strahan, who left to co-host Good Morning America.
The morning show has had different hosts over the years. It first became famous with Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. After Gifford left in 2000, Kelly Ripa became Philbin’s full-time co-host in 2001, and she has been with the show ever since.
The final show was really nice! Congratulations to Kelly and Ryan for six great seasons together. We’ll miss seeing them together but wish them both the best!
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