Kelly Ripa Gives Heartfelt & Teary Goodbye To Regis Philbin
Nov. 18 2011, Published 9:00 a.m. ET
By Breaking Celebrity News Staff
An era ended Friday, as iconic talk show host Regis Philbin made his final appearance after 28 years on his long-running ABC morning show, where he was serenaded with a heartwarming speech from co-host Kelly Ripa.
Kelly said that the 43 steps she took with Regis from the dressing room to the studio floor daily made for a life-changing journey and you can see her entire speech on Breaking Celebrity News.
"As I was reflecting, and we were taking our final 43 steps together, I thought back to our first 43 steps and I was absolutely terrified -- absolutely filled with fear -- and you grabbed my hand and we walked down the hallway, came out the door...and you did something for me,” Kelly said.
“I've never told you this -- but you said, 'You see that sweetie: That's all for you, all these people are here for you!’"
Kelly continued, "You always want to make me feel like a million bucks, always.
"What I wanted to say was your light shined around all of us and made us look so bright for so long," she told the 80-year-old show biz vet.
Regis said he wanted his show to be one "where people would feel better about themselves, to look at life in a different way, a funnier way."
Regis’ former co-host Kathie Lee Gifford was in attendance for the broadcast, as were stars such as Katie Couric, Donald Trump, Alan Alda, Meredith Vieira