It’s not every day you hear Kelly Ripa talk about her only sibling, Linda Ripa, on "Live With Kelly and Mark." The beloved talk show host doesn’t bring up her sister often, but when she does, it’s always with deep love and admiration. Linda’s story is one of resilience and strength, and it’s a testament to the bond they share. Let’s take a closer look at Linda’s incredible journey and the challenges she’s faced.
Linda Ripa: The Quiet Force Behind Kelly Ripa's Success
Born in 1972, Linda Ripa is the younger sister of Kelly by two years. Raised in New Jersey, just a short train ride away from where Kelly now films "Live" in New York City, Linda has always been a source of inspiration for her sister. In December 2014, their dad, Joe, shared a heartfelt Facebook post celebrating Linda's birthday. He wrote, “Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter Linda!! As my secondborn, she arrived at 4:11 a.m. on this date in 1972 and has continued to make her mother and I very proud.”
What’s fascinating is that Linda and Kelly share more than just a family bond—they’re both published authors! Linda crafted and illustrated a children’s book titled The Lady Bug Blues, which hit shelves in 2002. Kelly followed suit with her own book, Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories, released in 2022. It’s clear that creativity runs in the family.
Read also:Elton John Refuses To Give Up Amid Vision Loss Battle
The Tragic Accident That Changed Everything
In 1999, Linda’s life took a dramatic turn when she was involved in a devastating car accident while seven months pregnant. A drunk driver collided head-on with her vehicle, leaving her with severe injuries, including multiple broken bones. This tragic event almost cost her the life of her unborn child, as her pelvis was crushed, causing her baby to go into a coma in utero.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Linda welcomed her son, Sergio-Giuseppe Ripa, seven weeks early. The road to recovery was long and arduous, requiring multiple surgeries and constant care. Linda’s parents, Esther and Joe, stepped in to help raise Sergio, providing the support Linda needed during this difficult time. Kelly once remarked, “My mother is a 24-hour-a-day nurse to my sister,” highlighting the family’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s well-being.
Before the accident, Linda had dreams of pursuing a career in acting and modeling. Kelly shared, “She will never, ever know a normal life again. And there’s nothing they can do.” Despite the challenges, Linda’s spirit remains unbroken, and she continues to inspire those around her.
Kelly Ripa's Perspective on Life and Family
Linda is an aunt to Kelly’s three children—Michael, Lola, and Joaquin, whom she shares with her husband, Mark Consuelos. Kelly often reflects on her sister’s journey and how it shapes her perspective on life. She once told Hello! Magazine, “Every day of my life that I feel like I’m going to complain about something small, minute, I think of my sister. And it makes you appreciate what’s important in life.”
She added, “We, Mark and me, have three beautiful, healthy kids, and if everything we’ve achieved together disappeared tomorrow, we would still have three healthy, beautiful kids. And who could ask for anything more than that?” It’s clear that Linda’s resilience has taught Kelly the value of gratitude and cherishing the moments that truly matter.
Introducing Kelly Ripa's Nephew, Sergio-Giuseppe Ripa
In September 2021, Kelly shared a rare photo of her nephew Sergio-Giuseppe Ripa on Instagram to celebrate his birthday. Sergio, a talented musician, showcases his skills by sharing videos of himself playing the guitar and updates about his band’s gigs on his Instagram account. It’s evident that Linda’s strength and determination have passed down to the next generation, inspiring Sergio to follow his passions.
Read also:Cbs Shakes Up The Lineup Two Fbi Spinoffs Get The Axe
