Kelly Ripa Says She’s ‘Always Thinking About Retiring’ From ‘Live’ as Husband Mark Consuelos Prepares to Join

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The start of something new. Kelly Ripa joked that retiring from Live is always on her mind as husband Mark Consuelos prepares to step in as cohost.The New Jersey native and the Riverdale actor, both 52, opened up about their professional collaboration during an interview with Entertainment Weekly published on Sunday, April 16 — one day before Consuelos’ official debut on the daytime talk show.“Every time you get a new cohost, it’s like a little jolt of energy,” Ripa explained. “But to be clear, I am always thinking about retiring.

It is my favorite topic of discussion.”Us Weekly confirmed in February that Ryan Seacrest was leaving Live With Kelly and Ryan after nearly six years.

His final episode aired on Friday, April 14.“I just want to say a few words to you. It’s on behalf of myself and all of us — but mostly me,” Ripa began during an emotional tribute to the American Idol host, 48. “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.”She added: “I am so grateful that our success together on this show has led to us developing an even closer — yet codependent — relationship.”Seacrest, meanwhile, called himself a “lucky man” for getting to work alongside Ripa for so long. “I so appreciate your leadership, your love, your wisdom and I really do feel like a family member and we will have that forever,” he gushed.In order to view the video, please allow Manage CookiesBefore entering the latest chapter of Live, Ripa told EW that she has nothing but love for her former cohost. “I commend Ryan for lasting as long as he did because I really had my concerns.