Ryan Seacrest broke hearts up and down the country when he announced he would be leaving ABC’s Live with Kelly and Ryan after more than five years on the show. Seacrest, 48, has been hosting with Kelly Ripa, 52, since 2018, but revealed that he was forced to leave the show after suffering from “exhaustion” and “burnout” as he also hosts American Idol as well as his On Air With Ryan Seacrest radio show, which has understandably left his fans very concerned for his health.
READ MORE: Fans Can’t Get Enough Of Ryan Seacrest’s Girlfriend Aubrey Paige’s Latest Gym Selfie: ‘Let’s Go!’
Ryan Seacrest Announces 'Live' Exit After Five Years
Ryan made the announcement that he would be leaving Live on the Thursday, February 16th episode, with Kelly's husband Mark Consuelos, 51, being announced as his replacement. As things currently stand, Ryan plans to head back to the west coast but will continue to host American Idol and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest, as well as his KIIS-FM show, On Air With Ryan Seacrest.
"Last year we spoke and I made the decision to make this my last season as co-host," Ryan, who regularly travels between Los Angeles and New York as well as various locations around the country for the American Idol auditions, revealed on the show.
"Working alongside Kelly over the past six years has been a dream job and one of the highlights of my career. She has been an amazing partner, friend, and confidant, and although we will always be a part of each other’s lives, I will miss our mornings together," he continued, adding, "It’s been a memorable ride and now I’m excited to pass the baton to Kelly’s 'real' husband, Mark."
Kelly Ripa Comments On Ryan Seacrest's Exit
Ever the supportive friend and co-host, Kelly, who has been on the show since 2001, told Ryan: "You are a gem. You are one of my best friends. The greatest part of this experience has been that you’ve gone from being a friend to a family member." She added: "You are family. We love you. We are so proud of you. I know how much of a sacrifice it’s been. I know how exhausting it’s been going back and forth."
The Hope and Faith star also said that she was "so grateful to have spent the last six years beside my dear friend of too many decades to count and will miss starting my days with Ryan." She added, "Ryan’s energy, passion and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind."
Insiders Say Ryan Values His Time Off With His Loved Ones
Ryan has previously taken some time off Live, citing exhaustion for the reason, which according to an insider who spoke to Page Six, sometimes "created tension with everyone involved on the show." However, they added that "everyone cares about him and respects him and just wants to make sure he’s OK."
The insider added: "He’s not quite burned out, but he knows himself [and knows] he needs a break. In the last couple of years he’s valued his time off with his family and his loved ones."
View this post on Instagram
Fans Voice Their Disappointment On Instagram
On the day of his heartbreaking announcement, Seacrest also took to Instagram to share another farewell with fans, alongside a carousel of pictures of his time on the show. "I’m going to miss my work wife and all the laughter we share. When I signed on to host Live in 2017 it was meant to be for 3 years, but I loved the job and working with Kelly so much that I extended my time and last year I made the decision to stay on for one more final season," he wrote in the caption. "I’m looking forward to coming back to guest host in the future and Kelly, I promise to forever share my food photos, chicken eggs, and olive oil with you. And congratulations to my brother Mark, feel free to remodel my dressing room!" he added.
"I can’t believe you're leaving, I won't be watching the show anymore!" exclaimed one disappointed fan in the comments. "Noooooo, you're the reason I watch the show," added another, followed by two sad emojis. "Good Luck Ryan," they added. "Aw I’m so sad to see you go!" wrote another fan. "You will be sorely missed! A true pleasure to watch such a gentleman everyday!" wrote another, followed by four purple heart emojis.
