Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan put up a united front Friday as they hit the stage hand-in-hand for his final day after almost four years on Live With Kelly and Michael.
"We made it," Strahan said as he took his seat for the final time. "We made it to today."
The past three weeks have been tumultuous for the Disney syndicated show, following the network's April 20 announcement that it would move him to Good Morning America in the fall. Ripa, who found out only moments before the news went wide, felt blindsided and went AWOL for two days to process the news. And Strahan's last day, which was originally planned for August, was moved forward to Friday, ostensibly to use the summer as an auditioning period for his replacement. (Jimmy Kimmel kicks off the guest-host parade on Monday.)
"It's bittersweet," Strahan said of the big day. "I didn't anticipate being here at this moment but it's here and we're gonna enjoy it. I'm not dying." (That last comment was interesting considering Ripa was in a black dress.)
Hosting a Live With Kelly and Michael coffee mug, Ripa cracked, "We want to remind the audience that there's a run on discounted merchandise at the gift shop."
"They're collectors' items now," Strahan cracked.
He almost regretted offering up his services to come back and serve as a guest host when Ripa reminded him she'd be going on summer vacation soon. "Too soon," he retorted.
Faced with a bunch of flashbacks — including dreaded footage of himself in short shorts, Strahan warned, "I don't like a big to-do. We come out every morning and make people laugh. I think that's what we need to do right now."
Later on, Ripa presented him with farewell gifts, including a memento from their elaborate Halloween costumes: a pair of bronzed high heels. "Nobody rocks a size-16 stiletto better than you," she told the 6-foot-5 NFL Hall of Famer.
"Now for the booze," she said as she offered up a champagne toast: "I just want say, on behalf of all of us, we couldn't be prouder of you. We've achieved so much together and I look forward to watching you every morning and seeing what else you achieve."
Strahan thanked the TV audience for being so welcoming: "I didn't know what to expect coming from sports and you guys opened up your homes and hearts to me."
He also praised the live studio crowd, calling them the show's third host, and the crew.
"And Kelly, you are the best," he concluded, planting a kiss on his colleague. "I love you, baby,"