Featured Image Credit: ABC
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity
Ali Condon
Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa shed a few tears as they said their final goodbyes to one another in his final Live With Kelly and Ryan appearance.
The presenter, 48, announced back in February that he planned to leave the hit talk show after six years.
After appearing as Kelly Ripa's TV husband on screen, Ryan confirmed that he'd be passing on the baton to her real husband Mark Consuelos, who will take over the gig.
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Saying goodbye to her beloved co-host, Kelly fought back a few tears.
"I just want to say a few words to you. It’s on behalf of myself and all of us - but mostly me," she joked.
"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."
She added: "You are layers upon layers of goodness, of kind, of charm, of brilliance, of authenticity and generosity."
Ryan then matched Kelly with a few words of his own, though he struggled not to get choked up.
“I’m a very lucky man, Kelly. I want you all to know, it’s not lost on me how fortunate I am.
"Fortunate to have had this seat next to you, Kel, for six years. You’re incomparible. There’s no one like you.
"I’ve spent my entire career talking … but today, it’s hard to put into words how deeply I’ve appreciated being here and being with you, being invited into your homes every day to try to deliver a smile or a laugh or two. I’m honored to be a part of this family."
After thanking the entire staff behind the scenes, he turned to Kelly, grabbed her hands, and told her: "I so appreciate your leadership, your love, your wisdom and I really do feel like a family member and we will have that forever."
Ryan and Kelly weren't the only ones choking up - every time the cameras cut to the live studio audience, tearful viewers could be seen sniffling and dabbing their eyes with tissues.
Watching from the audience for his final goodbye were Ryan Seacrest's parents, his sister, and his girlfriend Aubrey Paige.
They got up on stage later to join him for one final toast before he 'passed the mug' on to his successor Mark.
You can still catch Ryan on American Idol and On Air with Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM, but as far as talk show duties go, that's it for now.
Meanwhile, Kelly Ripa, who has been a part of the Live team since 2001, won't be going anywhere any time soon.