Kelly Ripa in tears as she’s surprised by sons during LIVE anniversary special

Kelly Ripa is celebrating 25 years at the helm of LIVE, and for the milestone anniversary, the show pulled out all the stops with a major surprise for the longtime host. The 55-year-old was left in tears by her sons Michael and Joaquin, who both shared their support for her on the special day.

Michael surprised his mom by coming out onto the show, presenting her with. a bouquet of flowers that he joked he “stole from the greenroom.” He embraced his mom – who was delighted to see him, before introducing a surprise montage, filled with clips from over the past 25 years of Kelly’s time on the show – all of which featured her family. “That was a nice surprise,” Kelly told him. 

Kelly’s future on LIVE

Ahead of the episode, Kelly opened up about the future of her role on the series. “I believe this show will continue on for as long as linear television exists,” she told Decider. “I believe that there are too many talented people out there that really deserve the opportunity to find their own audience and grow the audience the way they see fit.”

© Getty Images for SiriusXM

“I don’t intend to work for the rest of my life. I really do not. Contrary to what everyone around here thinks!” she added. “I don’t intend on working for the rest of my life. But I think we’ll all make that decision when the time comes. I think there’s a way to sort of get new people on board and have them test cohosts and get the audience used to other people. I think it’s important. I love this show too much to see it sort of ever end with us.”

Kelly took over for Kathie Lee Gifford as Regis Philbin’s cohost in 2001 and has remained on the show ever since. Following Regis’ exit in 2011, she was joined by Michael Strahan from 2012 to 2016 and Ryan Seacrest from 2017 to 2023.

Family

Mark Consuelos – who shares kids Michael, Lola, and Joaquin, with his wife – joined LIVE officially in 2023 following Ryan’s departure.

© Kelly Ripa/LIVE with Kelly and Mark

As for their children, Lola is currently pursuing a career in music in London. Meanwhile, Joaquin, who is represented by CAA & Untitled, is set to portray the character Colby in Hulu’s upcoming pilot Foster Dade, adapted from Nash Jenkins’ novel Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos.

Michael, the couple’s eldest son, currently lives in Brooklyn while working on the production side for Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York and The Real Housewives of New Jersey and has also worked as a production assistant on the sitcom The Goldbergs.