'Live With Kelly and Michael' Update: Michael Strahan Says Goodbye, 'I'm Still In The Family' [VIDEO]
Michael Strahan hosted his final Live! with Kelly and Michael on Friday, saying goodbye after four years of memories.
Strahan's final episode aired Friday morning, with co-host Kelly Ripa bidding her friend farewell. The episode featured many clip montages centered on Strahan's greatest moments on Live!
"It's bittersweet. Of course you get nervous," Strahan said at the top of the show, discussing his goodbye. "This is a moment I didn't anticipate being here, at least not at this point. I'm not dying. I'm still in the family and still available to come back as co-host."
Strahan put special emphasis on not wanting to make this a particularly sad final episode.
"I don't like a big to do about it. We come out here every morning, we make people laugh, that's what we need to do now. Get on with the show," he said.
Ripa did not shy away from getting emotional over Strahan's exit. The perky co-host spoke from the heart in the show's final moments.
"We couldn't be prouder of you," Ripa told her co-host. "You have given us so much joy in the mornings. We really are so so proud of you. I look forward to watching every morning and seeing what you achieve over at Good Morning America."
Strahan also took the time to thank the live audience and those at home for their dedication to the show.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone," Strahan said. "You let me into your home every day for four years. You opened up your hearts to me and homes to me. It's been so overwhelming the response you've had to this show."
Strahan then acknowledged the staff, "They make sure we're always prepared. We love you, we appreciate you."
Now, Strahan is heading to Good Morning America for a full-time hosting gig. Meanwhile, Ripa and the Live! crew will be looking for a new permanent co-host to replace Strahan, and much like the transition from Regis Philbin to Strahan, the process probably won't be quick one.
Regardless, it is clear from the emotion of the final show that Strahan will be missed dearly.
