Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are sharing an emotional tribute to Consuelos' father, Saul Consuelos. In a new episode of "Live with Kelly and Mark," the couple shared the sad news that Saul Consuelos has died.
© Disney via Getty ImagesMark began the episode by addressing the news directly, revealing that they'd learn the news of Saul's death while they were on a two-week break from the show. "He passed away peacefully. Gosh, such a fascinating man. Such a fascinating man," he said.
Kelly shared a moving tribute to Saul, crediting him for some of the great parts of Mark that she loves and recognizes. “Let me just say that we have been blessed. You have been blessed more because you knew him your whole life. I only got to know my father-in-law for 31 years, but they were the best 31 years of my life. I can honestly say that I will miss him every day for the rest of my life, as I know you will, as our children will. He was the greatest person I’ve ever known, and he really is so symbolic of everything you are," she said.
© Getty ImagesMark shared that he learned many things from his dad throughout his life, things that he now practices on a daily basis. “If he was fixing something in the house, he’d make me watch and do it, and I didn’t know at the time why he was doing it,” he said. “Because now, at the house, I’m able to at least do half the stuff that he does at our house.”
“You do everything the way he did it. They can fix everything with a toothpick!" said Kelly.
Mark shared his dad's immigrant story
© FilmMagicMark also shared the emotional story of his dad's immigration to the US, and how he spent his life working hard to better himself and provide for his family. “He came here from Mexico in his early teens. He immigrated here from Mexico. He served his country for 30 years, ended up at Special Operations Command in Tampa. This young kid from Mexico just got his education through the Navy, was always going to school, brilliant, got his master’s while I was a kid. He loved this country so much," he said.
"He loved this country so much. He really is, I would say, an example. If you put a face to an immigrant, he would be the prime example of what this country promises people here in this country. And he raised three pretty good kids."
Mark shared that he had a chance to say goodbye to his father while preparing for his Broadway play "Fallen Angels," with the prep serving as a welcome distraction. "I’ve had such a good time doing [the play]. And I know he’s there watching and he’s able to be part of that," he said.
© Disney via Getty Images
