Ryan Seacrest brought his six-year run on Live With Kelly and Ryan to an emotional close during his final taping with cohost Kelly Ripa. The 48-year-old emcee found himself getting choked up as he listened to Ripa reflect on the personal and professional bond they’ve built over the course of the daytime talk show’s six seasons.
“I just want to say a few words to you,” Ripa began. “It’s on behalf of myself and all of us—but mostly me. 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.”
The waterworks started shortly after Ripa likened Seacrest to the fried-food delicacy known as a “blooming onion.” “You are layers upon layers of goodness, of kind, of charm, of brilliance, of authenticity and generosity,” she went on. “Your generosity is unmatched.”
Ripa ended her tribute with a nod to Seacrest’s relationship with 26-year-old model Aubrey Paige, who made a rare appearance to support him from the crowd. “We will all keep our same mailing addresses in case there is ever a wedding invitation,” Ripa joked, looking out to the audience. “Just in case!”
Seacrest responded in kind, calling himself “a very lucky man” to have worked with Ripa for so long. “I want you all to know, it’s not lost on me how fortunate I am,” he said. “Fortunate to have had this seat next to you, Kel, for six years. You’re incomparable. There’s no one like you.”
