Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are mourning the loss of a beloved family member. Saul Consuelos, Mark’s father and the family’s cherished patriarch, passed away at the age of 87 on March 23, after a long battle with illness. His death, however, was publicly announced only on April 6, marking the end of an era for the Consuelos family.
As the family processes their grief, Michael Consuelos, the couple’s 28-year-old son, shared an emotional tribute to his grandfather on Instagram. The touching post featured a heartwarming photo of Michael as a child, perched on his grandfather’s shoulders, gently leaning against his head — a symbol of their close bond.
In a recent appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, Kelly revealed how the family has been coping with Saul’s passing, particularly their children, who are experiencing loss for the first time. “This is the first loss they’ve ever experienced in their lives,” she shared. “By the time I was 8, I had no grandparents. You got to grow up with them, have those deep, meaningful conversations, and cherish every moment.”
Kelly Ripa’s son Michael Consuelos shared a touching tribute to his grandfather following his death
Kelly also spoke fondly of Saul’s involvement in their lives, recalling how he would often step in to help care for their children when Mark was away for work. “A lot of times, you’d be away working, and we would take the show on the road, and your dad would come on remotes to take care of the kids so I could go to work,” she said, reflecting on his invaluable support.
© ABCKelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos announced the death of Mark’s dad on Live on April 6
In a moment of lightheartedness, Kelly also remembered how people at school would sometimes mistake her father-in-law for her husband due to their striking resemblance. “I remember one year, randomly, Mark showed up and they asked, ‘Is this your new husband? Because he resembles your old husband,'” Kelly laughed. “But everyone assumed for a long time because my father-in-law looked so much like Mark. It’s not unusual in New York.”
© Getty ImagesMark’s dad Saul passed away in March
Mark, who had the chance to say goodbye to his father during rehearsals for his Broadway play Fallen Angels, expressed that the production has been a welcome distraction during this difficult time. “I knew I had to keep going,” Mark said. “I’ve had such a good time doing this, and I know he’s there watching, part of it.”
As the family comes together to support one another, Kelly and Mark are now focused on bringing Mark’s mother, Camilla, closer to them. Mark shared with viewers: “We’re trying to convince my mom to move to New York. She’s such a character, but she’s stubborn! What do you think—maybe a cooking segment on Fridays with Camilla?” To which Kelly joked, “Yeah! Cooking with Camilla! Time for her to work — enough of the leisure life!”
This emotional journey marks a difficult chapter for the Consuelos family, but it also highlights the deep love and tight-knit bond they share, with Michael’s tribute serving as a poignant reminder of the legacy Saul leaves behind.
