After six seasons, Ryan Seacrest has officially said, “Seacrest, out!” from Live With Kelly and Ryan. His farewell episode aired this morning.
It was a tear show for Seacrest and Kelly Ripa, also a co-host.
In February, the 48-year-old media figure revealed that he would be leaving the syndicated morning talk program, calling the decision “bittersweet.” Hosting the Live show in New York was frequently tricky for Seacrest because he lives in Los Angeles and continues to present American Idol there.
“The hundreds of hours I spent flying every year got to be a lot. It took longer than I expected, but she and the wonderful staff here are to thank for that, he said last month, according to Variety. Since Kelly understood, I had told her over the past couple of years, “This is not going to be something that’s right for me forever for all the obvious geographical reasons.”
The fact that Seacrest has his reasons for quitting the program doesn’t lessen the intensity of his farewell, as both co-hosts shed tears while making heartfelt remarks during the final broadcast.
The fact that I’ve had this seat for the past six years is not lost on me, Seacrest stated. “I’ve talked my whole professional life,” But today, it’s difficult to express how much I’ve valued being here, with you, and being welcomed into your houses daily. I feel privileged to be a member of this family.
Kelly Ripa also broke down in tears as she bid Ryan farewell.
“I just have a few things to say to you. It’s on my behalf and the rest of us, but largely on my behalf,” Ripa remarked. “Without a doubt, these past six years have gone by quickly. And even though you and I have been friends for a very long time, I feel like I’ve gained a younger brother or oldest son as a result of this process.
“I’m so glad that this show’s success has allowed us to grow even closer in our codependent relationship,” she said.
She praised Seacrest’s “goodness, kind, charm, brilliance, authenticity, and generosity,” Even though it was a touching moment, she managed to inject some fun.
She said, “We reserve the right to troll you on all social media platforms, and we will maintain the same mailing addresses in case there is ever a wedding invitation, just in case.”
But honestly, I want to thank you for being fantastic, for being an authentic addition to this program, from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of all of our hearts, Ripa said. “You are part of our family forever. We won’t ever part ways with you. All we have to say is, “See you soon.” I cherish you.
US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden was the guest on the final program. The last show had members of Seacrest’s family in attendance, including his parents, sister Meredith, and fiancée Aubrey Paige.
The episode also included two clip montages, one of Ryan Seacrest’s entertaining and memorable moments from the show and another that was more emotional.
Live already has a replacement co-host lined up, and it’s Kelly Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos, who is well acquainted with Kelly. After the program, Consuelos appeared to carry a sardine cake, and Seacrest “passed the baton” by giving him his mug in a symbolic gesture.
In 2017, Ryan Seacrest took over hosting duties instead of Michael Strahan, an ex-NFL player who left to work as a co-host on Good Morning America.
Over the years, the morning show has had several hosts, but Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford were the ones who brought it first notoriety. Kelly Ripa joined Philbin as a full-time co-host in 2001 after Gifford departed the program in 2000, and she has been a part of it ever since.
What a lovely finale! Congratulations to Kelly and Ryan on six wonderful seasons of marriage! We wish them both the best and will miss seeing them together.
If you adore Kelly and Ryan, please spread the word about this tale!
