Kelly Ripa left her husband, Mark Consuelos, visibly stunned during a lighthearted discussion about a serious topic on Live With Kelly and Mark. The couple, married for nearly 30 years, ventured into the subject of “grey marriages” and the rising trend of divorces among older couples during the show’s October 11 episode.
Ripa, 54, introduced the topic by explaining how she stumbled upon a “fascinating article” while at the airport, diving deep into the subject of grey divorces—divorces among couples typically over the age of 50. As soon as she mentioned the article, Mark appeared taken aback, prompting him to ask, “Why are you reading that article?”
Amused, Ripa shared some eye-opening stats with the audience: “Back in 1990, only 8.7 percent of marriages among people over 50 ended in divorce. And by 2019, that number had jumped to 36 percent.”
Despite the seriousness of the topic, Mark remained at ease, joking that no matter what happens, Kelly would always be there to “change [his] diapers” in old age. To which Kelly humorously agreed, “Of course I will. I do it all the time.”
The conversation touched on various reasons for grey divorces, such as empty nest syndrome, lack of shared interests, infidelity, and health issues. However, Ripa reassured viewers that her interest in the article was purely due to its narrator’s “soothing” voice, joking that it made divorce after 50 sound almost enticing.
“Like it sounds like something amazing,” Kelly quipped, “and then you realise, oh, this is very dark subject matter. But the voice of the narrator is so soothing.”
Their playful banter added another charming moment to their long-lasting relationship, leaving fans entertained and delighted.