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Michael Strahan Leaves ‘Live’: Kelly Ripa Bids Him Well With Final Toast

By Rachelle Lewis
Published on: 03:32 PST, May 13, 2016

https://rumble.com/embed/vcd74/

Michael Strahan has officially left Live With Michael and Kelly. However, before he took his final bow, Kelly Ripa bid him well with a final toast.

It was a bittersweet day on the set of Live as Strahan made his final appearance as co-host. Despite all the behind-the-scenes drama that has plagued the show after it was announced that Michael was leaving to join Good Morning America full-time, both Ripa and Strahan seemed to have set all of that aside to give fans, as well as Michael an amazing final show.

Since it was announced about a month ago that Michael Strahan would leave Live today (May 13), the anticipation of how Kelly Ripa would bid him farewell has been mounting. The former soap opera actress pulled out all the stops for her co-host even though the two have experienced a lot of tension over the past few weeks.

Ripa gave Strahan an unforgettable present from one of their most unforgettable shows: a pair of high heels that Michael wore on one of Live’s Halloween episodes. The shoes were bronzed as a special gift for Strahan.

“Nobody rocks a size 16 stiletto than you.”

Immediately after that Kelly brought out a more sentimental gift, a photo book highlighting some of their memorable moments on the show.

“No matter where you go, you’re always here with us.”

It wasn’t just gifts that Kelly Ripa used to bid farewell as Michael Strahan leaves Live. She also took the time to give him a toast, wishing him well.

“I just want to say, on behalf of myself and all of us, we couldn’t be prouder of you. You have given us so much joy in the mornings. We really are so so proud of you. We achieved so much together, and I look forward to watching you every morning and seeing what else you achieve on ‘Good Morning America.”

There was not a dry eye in the house as Kelly put all the drama of the past few weeks behind her to wish Michael well as he begins the next chapter in his life. The former Giants football player returned the sentiment at the end of the show when he said his final goodbye.

“I just want to say, it’s very bittersweet to me. I just want to say thank you everybody. It’s amazing to come here, and you guys have let me into your home for the last four years every day. Kelly you are the best, I love you, babe.”

Kelly Ripa bid Michael Strahan well as he leaves Live With Kelly and Michael after four years. The entire show was all about giving Strahan an amazing send-off, which is exactly what happened. Along with the gifts and special toast, there were a number of flashbacks from his time on Live, including one from his very first day where he ended the show with the words “Farewell, Good Luck, Keep Smiling.” Another flashback included a montage of sorts that showcased Michael dressing up a number of times, his incredible laugh, and all the different accents he pulled off over the years.

Michael Strahan has left Live, and Kelly Ripa bid him well in a heartfelt toast sending him on his way to GMA. The two co-hosts, who have been very nonaffectionate with each other over the past month, even shared a hug.

It was an emotional yet slightly awkward day on the set of Live with Kelly and Michael. However, now Michael is done, the drama is over, and Jimmy Kimmel will join Kelly on Monday as the search for a new co-host begins. Strahan will officially join GMA full time in September but will continue to contribute to the show throughout the summer.

What do you think about Michael Strahan’s last Live episode and Kelly Ripa’s goodbye toast? Tell us your thoughts in the below comments section.

[Photo by Michael Buckner/Staff/Getty Images]

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