Kelly Ripa, the beloved co-host of “Live with Kelly and Mark,” recently made headlines after jokingly discussing the idea of a “gray divorce” with her husband of nearly three decades, Mark Consuelos.
In a candid on-air conversation, Ripa revealed that she had come across a “fascinating” article about the rising trend of divorces among couples over the age of 50, a phenomenon often referred to as “gray divorces.”
“I was reading this article, and I started talking to Mark about it, and Mark got very defensive,” the 54-year-old television personality told the audience. Consuelos, 53, was quick to inquire, “‘Why are you reading that article?'”
Ripa explained that while waiting at the airport, she stumbled upon the article and found the topic intriguing, particularly after hearing the soothing narration. She mimicked the narrator of the article, exclaiming, “The astonishing rise of the gray divorce.” “And I was like, ‘Oh, I want one!'”
However, the mother of three was quick to acknowledge the “dark subject matter” behind the concept, noting that the reasons for gray divorces can range from empty nest syndrome and lack of common interests to infidelity and health problems.
Despite her momentary fascination, Ripa assured viewers that she and Consuelos, who have been married since 1996, are not actually considering a divorce. “We still have a lot in common,” she said.
The couple’s love story is truly remarkable. The two met on the set of the soap opera “All My Children” in 1995, and their connection was instant. Ripa has previously shared that she saw her “entire future” with Consuelos the moment she saw his photograph.
“When I saw him—the photograph of him—I saw my entire future with him flash before my eyes,” Ripa recalled in a 2018 interview. “Like, I saw it. I [didn’t] believe in any of that, and now I do because of that moment.”
The pair’s enduring relationship is a testament to their communication, patience, and, as Consuelos himself has admitted, a healthy dose of “sexy time.” While the idea of a “gray divorce” may have piqued Ripa’s curiosity, it’s clear that she and her husband are as devoted to each other as ever.