Let me tell you a story that’s got a little drama, a little humor, and a whole lot of honesty. Kelly Ripa recently dropped a bombshell on her husband, Mark Consuelos, during an episode of Live With Kelly and Mark. You know Kelly—she’s not one to shy away from the tough topics, and this time, she brought up something that got Mark’s attention in a big way: the concept of "gray divorce." Now, if you're wondering what that is, stick around because we’re diving deep into it.
What Exactly is a 'Gray Divorce'?
First things first, let’s break it down. A gray divorce refers to the dissolution of a marriage among adults aged 50 and above. Now, this isn’t just some random trend; it’s a growing phenomenon that’s been gaining traction over the years. Kelly mentioned on the show that back in 1990, only 8.7% of marriages among people over 50 ended in divorce. Fast forward to 2019, and that number skyrocketed to a staggering 36%. That’s a massive shift, and Kelly found it so intriguing that she couldn’t help but share it with her husband.
Mark's Reaction: Not Exactly What Kelly Expected
Now, here’s where things got interesting. Kelly brought up this topic during one of their episodes, and as she started discussing it, Mark Consuelos got a little… defensive. You can picture the scene: Kelly casually mentioning this article she read about gray divorce, and Mark immediately jumping in with, “Why are you reading that article?” He wasn’t exactly thrilled about the topic, but Kelly, being Kelly, wasn’t about to back down. She explained that it had just popped up on her newsfeed while she was stuck in an airport, and she found it fascinating.
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The Fascination Factor
Kelly admitted that the article was captivating—not because she wanted to get a divorce, but because it highlighted something she hadn’t really thought about before. The audio version of the article, in particular, caught her attention with its dramatic tone. “The astonishing rise of the gray divorce,” she mimicked the narrator, adding with a laugh, “And I was like, ‘Oh, I want one!’” But don’t worry—she quickly clarified that she was joking. She reassured everyone that she and Mark still have plenty in common and that their relationship is as strong as ever.
Why Do Gray Divorces Happen?
So, what’s driving this trend? Kelly explained that there are various reasons couples might consider a gray divorce. One of the big ones is the so-called "empty nest syndrome." When kids grow up and move out, some couples find themselves at a loss for what to do next. Another factor is simply growing apart—losing those common interests that once brought them together. But Kelly made it crystal clear that this wasn’t her reality. She and Mark have been married since 1996, and they’re not planning on calling it quits anytime soon.
But let’s not forget—Kelly and Mark aren’t ones to shy away from candid conversations on their show. In fact, just a couple of months ago, Kelly shared another interesting tidbit about relationships. She revealed that eating before intimacy might actually make the experience more pleasurable. “Apparently I’ve been doing it wrong all these years,” she joked, explaining her strict no-eating rule before getting intimate. Mark, on the other hand, seemed a little bummed out when Kelly ordered more than just a salad during dinner. “He’s like, ‘Are you sure you want the burger?’” she laughed, adding, “I’m absolutely positive.”
The Future Looks Bright for Kelly and Mark
Despite all the playful banter, one thing is clear: Kelly and Mark have a rock-solid relationship. They celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary earlier this year, and when asked about their future goals, Mark summed it up perfectly: “To continue what we’ve got going.” And what they’ve got going? A strong, loving partnership that has stood the test of time. Kelly even joked about their financial freedom once their kids—Michael, Lola, and Joaquin—are off the payroll. “We can taste it!” she laughed, but quickly added, “Not that we’re not grateful for the three beautiful children that we love and adore.”
