Ryan Seacrest has signed off from “Live With Kelly and Ryan” for the final time, after six seasons as a host. In the prerecorded episode, both Seacrest and his co-host, Kelly Ripa, delivered touching speeches about what their time together meant to both of them.
“This has without question been the fastest six years of my life. Although you and I have been friends for decades and decades, I feel like I have gained through this process a younger brother-slash-older son. That’s how I feel about you. It’s the weirdest feeling,” she admitted, closing her speech by saying, “You are forever our family. We will never say goodbye to you. We will only say see you soon. I love you.”
Seacrest, for his part, also said that he plans to continue seeing Ripa in his personal life, but would miss the routine and proximity of their work. “Working alongside Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career. She has been an amazing partner, friend, and confidant, and although we will always be a part of each other’s lives, I will miss our mornings together.”
Seacrest also got heartfelt towards the audience, both in studio and at home, “It’s not lost on me how fortunate I am to have held this seat for the last six years. 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. I’m honored to be part of this family.
Seacrest plans to occasionally return, as a guest host. Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos, will be taking his position. After the episode was taped, Ripa told viewers that the episode would be “very, extraordinarily emotional” and to “bring your tissue boxes”.
Sources:
‘Live with Kelly and Ryan’ says goodbye to Ryan Seacrest | CNN
Seacrest Out: Host Says Farewell to ‘Live With Kelly and Ryan’ (msn.com)
Why Ryan Seacrest Is Allegedly Leaving Live And Mark Consuelos Is Taking Over (yahoo.com)
