When it comes to unforgettable personalities in television, Regis Philbin's name stands tall. And while Kelly Ripa cherished her professional and personal relationship with him, she wasn’t the only one in her family who had a special bond with Regis. Her kids, Michael Consuelos, Lola Consuelos, and Joaquin Consuelos, adored him just as much, if not more. Kelly, now 49, revealed how her children truly "worshipped" the late TV legend and loved spending time around him.
Regis Philbin: A Gentle Giant with Kids
During a heartfelt segment on the Monday, July 27, episode of Live! With Kelly and Ryan, Kelly opened up about the unique relationship Regis had with her kids. She shared, “What I love to remember about him is his connection with my kids. Regis had this incredible ability to make children feel important. Oh my goodness, he would talk to kids like they were adults. It didn’t matter if they were 2 or 4. He treated them with respect and dignity, and my kids responded to that in such a profound way. They absolutely worshipped him.”
A Special Moment with Lola
Kelly particularly cherished a sweet memory involving her daughter Lola and Regis. On one episode of Live! With Regis and Kelly, Regis took on the role of a babysitter, brushing Lola's teeth before bedtime. Kelly reminisced, “He was brushing her teeth, and she was staring at him, completely captivated.” What truly touched Kelly’s heart was when Regis told Lola, “‘You’re a gentle little lady,’ or something along those lines.” In that moment, Kelly realized what it must have been like to be one of Regis’s daughters, experiencing the tenderness in his voice and the warmth in his words.
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Regis’s Lasting Legacy
When Kelly learned of Regis’s passing on Saturday, July 25, from “natural causes,” she couldn’t help but express her gratitude for the time they shared. On Instagram, Kelly penned a heartfelt tribute to her dear friend and mentor. She wrote about how lucky she felt to have had Regis in her life, guiding her career. Each day, she aspired to live up to the legacy he left behind when he stepped away from Live! in 2011.
“Regis was the ultimate class act,” Kelly gushed. “We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place.”
How You Can Honor Regis Philbin
In lieu of flowers, Regis’s family has kindly requested that fans honor his memory by making a donation to https://foodbanknyc.org/, an organization dedicated to helping those in need in his beloved New York City, particularly his home borough of The Bronx.
