Kelly Ripa has officially stepped into the halls of Disney Legends! On Sunday, August 11, the beloved talk show host was honored at D23, the ultimate Disney fan event in Anaheim, California. This prestigious title is bestowed upon individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Disney legacy.
Ripa was presented the award by none other than Ryan Seacrest. The moment not only celebrated her but also marked a touching reunion with her former co-host. Seacrest’s departure from “Live with Kelly and Ryan” saw Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos, stepping in as the new co-host, adding a lovely twist to this fairy tale.
In classic Ripa humor, she couldn’t resist poking fun at both Seacrest and herself during her acceptance speech. “Thank you so much, and Ryan, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m just so glad that you finally found something else to host,” she joked, celebrating Seacrest’s myriad gigs. She went on to thank everyone involved and joked about her own honor saying, “What has she ever done? She doesn’t even go here,” a playful jab likely aimed at her critics.
Beyond her humor, Ripa’s heartfelt gratitude shined through as she thanked the Walt Disney Company not just for her professional success, but also for her personal happiness, crediting them for her “smoking hot husband” whom she met on the set of “All My Children.” She humorously added that their three children were “made right backstage in the Disney labs.”
The emotional ride didn’t stop there. Ripa reminisced about her first family trip to Walt Disney World, a cherished memory that underlined her lifelong connection to Disney magic. Wrapping up her speech, she expressed profound gratitude to everyone who had contributed to her journey.
Joining Ripa in receiving the Disney Legends honor were other luminaries like Miley Cyrus, Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Harrison Ford, and John Williams. Each honoree, as Ryan Seacrest noted, has made an indelible mark on the Disney legacy, challenging conventions and pushing creative boundaries.
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us who your favorite Disney Legend is. Don’t forget to share this magical moment with your friends and fellow Disney fans!
Source: Peoplemag
