Ryan Seacrest Hosts Farewell Dinner for 'Live With Kelly and Ryan' Staff -- See His Speech

etonline.com:

Ryan Seacrest is saying goodbye to . The 48-year-old media personality hosted a farewell dinner for the staff of , just days before he's set to exit the series after nearly six years.«There really is no other place in our business like the show,» Seacrest began his speech at the dinner. «I'm grateful to have been a part [of it] for six years.»Seacrest continued by listing out what he's going to miss about the show, joking that «sharing the bathroom, well, with everyone» makes the list, as does the Halloween show, before admitting of the latter, «That's actually a lie.» He continued by thanking individual staffers including executive producer Michael Gellman, to whom he said, «You've become a dear friend.

Thank you for everything you've done to help me succeed over the last six years.»Seacrest then turned his attention to the show's «leader» Kelly Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, who will be the new co-host beginning on Monday, April 17.«My brother, Mark.

Congratulations. It's wonderful to go through this process with somebody that I love so much that obviously, I know, knows her better than I know her… ish,» Seacrest joked. «But congratulations.

I can't wait to watch… or tape it, sleep in and watch. Probably that, but congratulations, Mark.»Seacrest, who's final episode will air Friday, April 14, concluded by thanking the staff «for including me in this group,» admitting, «I was nervous when I started.»A post shared by LIVE with Kelly and Ryan (@livekellyandryan)After Seacrest announced his exit, a source told ET that he had «been contemplating leaving the show for years and has been very conflicted.» «He truly loves working with Kelly and the  crew.