After six seasons, Ryan Seacrest has finally said, “Seacrest, out!” with his final episode airing this morning on Live With Kelly and Ryan.
Both Seacrest and Kelly Ripa, his co-host, shed a lot of tears during the emotional episode.
The 48-year-old media personality called the decision to leave the syndicated morning talk show “bittersweet” when he made it known in February. Because Seacrest presents American Idol from Los Angeles, it can be challenging to present Live from New York.
“It added up to hundreds of hours flying every year.” He said to Variety last month, “It took a little longer than I expected, but it’s because of her and the wonderful people here.” “This is not going to be something that’s right for me permanently for all the obvious geographical reasons,” I had told Kelly during the past few years, and she understood.”
Even though Seacrest had valid reasons for leaving the show, it didn’t make his exit any less heartbreaking since during the last episode, both co-hosts broke down in tears as they made heartfelt remarks.
“I am aware of how fortunate I am to have served in this capacity for the past six years,” he said. All of my professional life, I’ve talked about… But it’s hard to put into words how much I’ve loved being here with you, being welcomed into your homes on a daily basis. It makes me happy to be a part of this family.
Kelly Ripa, too, was filled with grief as she bid Ryan farewell.
“I just wanted to say a few things to you.”It’s largely on my behalf, but it’s on behalf of all of us, too,” said Ripa. “This has been the fastest six years of my life, without a doubt.” Furthermore, even though we have been friends for decades, I feel like this process has given me a younger brother or oldest son.”
“I am incredibly appreciative that our codependent relationship has grown even closer as a result of our success together on this show.”
While acknowledging Seacrest’s “goodness, kind, charm, brilliance, authenticity, and generosity,” she also injected humor into the poignant moment.
“As a company, we reserve the right to troll you on all social media platforms. We will all maintain our identical mailing addresses in the unlikely event that we receive a wedding invitation,” she chuckled.
She continued, “But really, we just want to thank you for being wonderful and for being an original, authentic addition to this show, from the bottom of my heart and from the bottom of all of our hearts.” “You will be a member of our family for eternity.” We won’t ever have to say goodbye to you. All we will do is bid you farewell and hope to see you again soon. “I love you so much.”
US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden was a guest on the last program. Seacrest’s family, which included his parents, sister Meredith, and fiancée Aubrey Paige, attended the previous concert.
Two clip montages were also used in the broadcast; one highlighted humorous and memorable moments from Ryan Seacrest’s time on the show, while the other featured a more solemn scene.
Kelly Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos, is the new co-host that Live has previously confirmed. At the conclusion of the show, Consuelos arrived with a sardine cake, and Seacrest gave him his mug in a symbolic “passing of the baton.”
In 2017, former NFL player Michael Strahan departed to co-host Good Morning America, and Ryan Seacrest assumed the role of host.
Over the years, a number of hosts have hosted the morning show, starting with Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. After Gifford left the show in 2000, Kelly Ripa joined Philbin as a full-time co-host in 2001, and she has remained on the show ever since.
What a thrilling conclusion! We’ll miss watching Kelly and Ryan together, but we hope they have six wonderful seasons together! Congratulations!
Tell this tale if you love Kelly and Ryan as much as I do!
