“It Was Bittersweet”: Ryan Seacrest Opens Up About Saying Goodbye to Kelly Ripa

Ryan Seacrest is reflecting on the end of an era—and the beginning of a lasting friendship.

Two years after stepping away from Live with Kelly and Ryan, the beloved television personality is opening up about what it was like to part ways with co-host Kelly Ripa, and how their bond remains as strong as ever.

In an interview with E! News on April 28, Seacrest, now 50, shared that leaving the daytime talk show in April 2023 after six successful years was no easy decision. “It was bittersweet,” he admitted. “The hardest part of leaving Live was saying goodbye to Kelly.”

Despite his departure, Seacrest emphasized that his connection with Ripa, 54, has endured. “Kelly and I are still the closest friends,” he said. “We still talk, and I’ll always cherish the time we had on the show.”

Seacrest originally joined Live in 2017, stepping in as Ripa’s co-host following the departure of Michael Strahan. Although his initial commitment was supposed to last only three years, the dynamic duo’s on-air chemistry and off-screen friendship extended his stay to six.

“We were like, ‘Oh, don’t be ridiculous, you already moved your sofa here,’” Ripa joked at the time of his exit. “Three years turned into six because of the genuine fun of doing the show every single day.”

Now, Seacrest has moved on to other projects, including taking over hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune, replacing longtime host Pat Sajak. Still, the pull of Live remains strong—both for him and for the viewers who tuned in daily to watch the magic unfold.

“I love that show,” Seacrest said. “I had a blast doing it. You laugh, you talk, and you barely remember what you even said—because you’re having so much fun.”

Seacrest also revealed that a reunion with Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos—now her current co-host—is on the horizon. “Mark and Kelly have invited me to come on the show in a couple weeks,” he said. “I’ll be back in the studio, but this time as a guest.”

The announcement has sparked excitement among fans eager to see the iconic hosting duo back together, even briefly. Seacrest described the upcoming reunion as something he’s looking forward to deeply.

“I can’t wait to see them,” he shared. “It’s going to be emotional, but in the best way.”

During his time on Live, Seacrest and Ripa were known for their playful banter, heartfelt conversations, and deep camaraderie—elements that helped cement the show as one of America’s favorite morning programs.

“I’ll miss being next to Kelly every day,” Seacrest said. “That hour of connection, of laughing together—it’s special. And while the show may be behind me now, the friendship isn’t.”

As for his current ventures, Seacrest is embracing new challenges with characteristic energy, but he’s not forgetting where he came from.

Reflecting on the decision to leave Live, Seacrest noted it was something he and Ripa had discussed for a long time. “Last year we spoke, and I made the decision to make it my final season,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but it felt right.”

In the end, it’s clear that what Seacrest and Ripa shared was more than just a co-hosting gig—it was a deep, genuine bond built on trust, laughter, and respect. And even though their professional paths have diverged, their friendship continues to thrive.