Kelly Ripa Breaks Down Over Huge Family Loss

The LIVE host mourns the passing of her beloved father-in-law Saul Consuelos.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single glistening tear drop resting on a human eyelash, conveying the raw emotion and grief expressed by Kelly Ripa during her tribute to her late father-in-law.Kelly Ripa's heartfelt on-air tribute to her beloved father-in-law captures the profound sorrow of losing a cherished family member.NYC Today

Kelly Ripa became emotional on her talk show LIVE while discussing the recent passing of her father-in-law, Saul Consuelos, at the age of 87. Ripa praised Saul as the "greatest person" she had ever known and shared how he helped raise her three children with husband Mark Consuelos over the years. The family is grieving this significant loss.

Why it matters

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have been open about their close-knit family, and Saul Consuelos played an integral role in their lives. His passing is a major event for the family and will likely impact the LIVE show as they navigate this difficult time.

The details

Saul Consuelos, Mark Consuelos' father, passed away in March at the age of 87 after a long illness. Saul was born in Mexico and later immigrated to the United States, serving in the U.S. Navy for 30 years. Kelly Ripa formed a close relationship with her father-in-law over the 31 years she knew him, calling him the "greatest person" she had ever known. Ripa shared that Saul often helped care for her and Mark's three children when he was away working, and the family is taking his loss very hard.

  • Saul Consuelos passed away in March 2026 at the age of 87.
  • Kelly Ripa discussed his passing on the April 7, 2026 episode of LIVE.

The players

Kelly Ripa

The co-host of the talk show LIVE, who was very close with her father-in-law Saul Consuelos.

Mark Consuelos

Kelly Ripa's husband and the son of the late Saul Consuelos.

Saul Consuelos

The father of Mark Consuelos, who passed away in March 2026 at the age of 87 after a long illness. He was an immigrant from Mexico who served 30 years in the U.S. Navy.

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What they’re saying

“You have been blessed more because you knew him your whole life. I only got to know my father-in-law for 31 years, but they were the best 31 years of my life.”

— Kelly Ripa, LIVE Co-Host

“I can honestly say that I will miss him every day for the rest of my life, as I know you will, as our children will. He was the greatest person I've ever known, and he really is so symbolic of everything you are.”

— Kelly Ripa, LIVE Co-Host

What’s next

The Consuelos family is expected to hold a private memorial service for Saul Consuelos in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Saul Consuelos' passing is a significant loss for the close-knit Consuelos family, who relied on his active involvement in their lives over the decades. Kelly Ripa's emotional tribute on LIVE highlights the deep impact he had as a beloved father-in-law and grandfather.