- Kelly Ripa brought the emotions on TV
- She said goodbye to longtime colleague Art Moore
- THIS was her message
In an episode filled with milestones and memories, Kelly Ripa, the cherished cohost of Live with Kelly and Mark, bids an emotional farewell to Art Moore, the production executive who's retiring after a remarkable 53 years at ABC. His trajectory on television is not to be understated, as Kelly promptly reminded viewers.
The tears flowed
Discover the heartfelt moments, the tears, and the laughter as Ripa and her cohost (and husband) Mark Consuelos celebrate Moore's incredible career and their personal connection to him.
In an episode that tugged at the heartstrings of viewers nationwide, Kelly Ripa, the vibrant television personality we've all come to adore, opened her heart to celebrate two significant events: her 28th wedding anniversary with the ever-charming Mark Consuelos and the upcoming retirement of a dear colleague, Art Moore.
"Today is not just about anniversaries and farewells," Ripa began, her voice quivering with emotion. "It's about celebrating a man who's been the backbone of Live for over three decades."
Art Moore, a name synonymous with dedication in the world of television, announced his retirement in a manner that was both humble and humorous. "And I'm only 42, which is amazing," he joked, bringing a moment of laughter to an otherwise sentimental announcement.
Ripa, who has graced the Live stage since 2001, couldn't hide her feelings. "Art is the reason I'm here, and the reason I've stayed," she confessed, tears welling up. "He's more than a colleague; he's family."
The episode was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Ripa vowing to spend the next several months trying to talk Moore out of retirement. "I'm relentless," she said, a spark of determination in her eyes.
Mark Consuelos, Ripa's husband and cohost, lightened the mood with a playful jab at Moore, suggesting his departure might be a personal slight. Moore's witty comeback, "Well… not quite," had the audience chuckling amidst the tears.
As Moore shared his retirement plans, Ripa, ever the devoted friend, made a bold declaration. "You're not leaving this building without me," she said, half-jokingly suggesting she might retire alongside Moore.
The episode was a touching tribute to a man who's not only shaped the success of Live but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he's worked with. As Ripa and Consuelos bid farewell to their beloved colleague, it's clear that Moore's legacy will live on in the halls of ABC and in the memories of the Live audience.
The longtime exec then revealed that his retirement plans will include spending more time with loved ones. However, still choked up at the idea of Moore’s departure, Ripa told the exec he won’t be "leaving this building" without her.
"So this might be exciting for you, Mark," she joked. "You could have a whole new cohost and I could be retired with Art!"
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'Live with Kelly and Mark' continues to be a staple of daytime television, bringing joy, laughter, and now, a few tears, to viewers every weekday.