Kelly Ripa Posted an Emotional Message to Ryan Seacrest About Him Leaving 'Live'

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Ryan Seacrest is getting ready to close his chapter on Live With Kelly and Ryan, and he has Kelly Ripa's full support.

Amid ongoing rumors that the All My Children actress was planning on leaving the daytime TV talk show, fans were shocked to discover that it was actually Ryan who was preparing his exit later this spring. During the mid-February taping, he shared how grateful he was to develop a relationship with both his audience and his longtime co-host during his six years on the air. Kelly also shared sentimental words of her own, giving him props for all of his different career ventures he's juggled while starring on Live, including hosting American Idol.

"You are family here. We love you. We're so proud of you," she told Ryan on the ABC show. "I'm so proud of you and I cheer you on endlessly. I know how much of a sacrifice it's been. I know how exhausting it is going back and forth. I fully understand your decision making and ... we have been talking about this for a long time."

Shortly after the announcement aired on television, the Live Wire author (who continues dropping hints about when she plans to leave Live) posted an Instagram tribute to celebrate their time together. What's more, the photo Kelly shared of the duo also featured her husband Mark Consuelos, who the ABC series announced will work alongside his wife as her next co-host.

"OK NOW we’re empty nesters. When your friends become work mates become family. ♥️," she wrote. "Congratulations @ryanseacrest on surviving six winters in NYC! I’m proud of you and am forever in your corner. And @instasuelos welcome home, or to the contractual obligation phase of our relationship."

Reacting to Kelly's sweet message, Live fans immediately took to her comments to share their thoughts about Ryan's departure and Mark's new gig.

"Handsome, funny, awesome sense of humor and charismatic!!! He will truly be missed so much !!! It will not be the same without him!" one person wrote on Instagram. "What a great run! Congrats to you and@ryanseacrest - and how exciting to see @instasuelos join you full time!! 🔥👏🙌❤️😍," another added. "Ryan will be very missed, and if anyone could fill his shoes, it would be Mark," a different follower said.

So, why was Mark chosen to take the reins from Ryan? As Kelly mentioned later on in the taping, the Riverdale actor has been around since she first joined Live in 2000 and he's made numerous appearances over the last two decades. Fans also love seeing the couple's dynamic, making him the perfect fit for the role.

"We are so aware of the importance of continuity and consistency and the familial vibe that we all have here, it only makes sense ... to bring in somebody that we know and love and who's really always been here and just an extension of you," she said on the ABC show. "That would be my husband, Mark Consuelos."

Despite our sadness, it will be interesting to see Kelly (and by extension, Mark) do her own thing later this year.

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