Kelly Ripa, the renowned host of “Live with Kelly and Mark,” recently revealed interesting insights about her family life on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. Ripa shared how the viewers of her talk show have become like an extended family, particularly when it comes to her three adult children – Joaquin, Lola, and Michael. She expressed gratitude for the viewers who have watched her children grow up and often approach them on the streets, reminiscing about seeing them evolve into young adults.
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Ripa reminisced about the early days when her children would occasionally make appearances on the show, giving the audience a glimpse into their lives. As her kids grew older, moved out, and in some cases even out of the country, it became harder for people to keep up with their lives. She highlighted the importance of periodically sharing updates with the audience, acknowledging the unique collective experience her children had during their upbringing. They didn’t just have their immediate family but also a community across America and Canada that played a part in shaping their lives.
As Ripa described it, her kids had a ‘group childhood,’ surrounded by ‘lots of aunties, lots of uncles, lots of grandparents.’ She emphasized how the audience had been supportive and nurturing towards her children, rooting for them throughout the years. This close connection with the viewers has created a sense of shared upbringing for her kids, where strangers across different regions have played a role in their growth and development.
With her children now grown up and out of the house, Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, are relishing their time as empty nesters. Consuelos humorously shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live about using his kids’ bathrooms now that they are vacant, sparking laughter from Ripa and the audience. This phase of life has brought about a mix of emotions for Ripa, ranging from excitement to quiet reflection, as she navigates this new chapter with her spouse.
Reflecting on the changes brought by her children leaving home, Ripa shared candidly about the initial challenges and adjustments to this new stage. From relearning how to cook for a smaller household to rediscovering moments of solitude, she embraced the transition with both humour and contemplation. Ripa acknowledged the fears and uncertainties that come with such significant life changes but also found joy in rediscovering simple pleasures and moments of tranquillity.
In a cover story with PEOPLE in September 2022, Ripa delved into the complexities and joys of this evolving phase in her life. She humorously recounted moments of doubt and apprehension, juxtaposed with newfound freedom and rediscovery of shared moments with her partner. The journey of transitioning into empty nesters has brought Ripa and Consuelos closer, allowing them to appreciate the quieter moments and cherish the newfound independence that comes with their children’s departure.
As Ripa and Consuelos navigate this new chapter in their lives, they find themselves embracing the changes with a mix of emotions and humour. From relishing newfound alone time to navigating the challenges of adjusting to an empty nest, the couple is discovering the beauty in this evolving phase of their journey together. As they reflect on the past and look towards the future, Ripa and Consuelos continue to find joy in each other’s company and the shared experiences that have shaped their family’s story.