Kelly Ripa recently opened up about the first time she left her husband, Mark Consuelos, to care for their three children. During an episode of LIVE on May 19, the host recounted leaving Mark at home with the kids while she filmed in another state.
In a behind-the-scenes video shared on the show’s Instagram page, Kelly described hiring babysitters to work eight-hour shifts, jokingly comparing them to nurses: “We were shooting this show in Chicago. Joaquin was like six months old, and I hired babysitters to work in eight-hour shifts, like nurses.” She recalled that the last babysitter warned her, “You can’t die, because he doesn’t know where anything is,” prompting Kelly to quip, “Good note. Oh my god. I can’t die!”
Fans responded enthusiastically, sharing their own humorous anecdotes about dads struggling when left in charge. One commented, “Ha ha! It’s amazing how dads can watch moms take care of kids every day but get lost when they’re alone! That’s my husband for sure!” Another added, “My husband cannot even find a new tube of toothpaste that’s been in the same closet for 26 years. Sentiments shared by moms everywhere.”
Kelly and Mark married in 1996 after eloping in Las Vegas, a year after meeting on the set of All My Children. Together, they have three children: Michael, Lola, and Joaquin. Michael works in production for Bravo shows like The Real Housewives of New York and New Jersey, Lola is pursuing a music career in London, and Joaquin will appear as Colby in Hulu’s pilot Foster Dade.
On May 1, the couple celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Mark shared, “Today is our 30th wedding anniversary. 30 years. We did it!” Kelly joked about the milestone, calling it the “high-five anniversary” and reflecting on their enduring love: “It wasn’t supposed to work out. Two kids meet on a soap opera… it was the smartest, best decision I ever made in my life.” Mark humorously added that he initially thought marriage was a ludicrous idea until Kelly proposed.
The story highlights the balance, humor, and love that has kept their family strong over three decades, giving fans both a laugh and an inspiring glimpse into the daily realities of parenting with humor and heart.
