Kelly Ripa left fans in shock on Live with Kelly and Mark by openly discussing the topic of “gray divorce” with her husband and co-host, Mark Consuelos. The term, which refers to divorces among people aged 50 and older, struck a nerve with Mark as Kelly joked that an article about it had left her “feeling like she wanted to get a gray divorce too.” The seemingly offhand comment had viewers buzzing, with reactions split between those who found the exchange relatable and others who felt it hit a bit too close to home.
The longtime couple, who met on the set of All My Children nearly 30 years ago, seemed caught off guard during the live segment. Kelly remarked that Mark had become “very defensive” after she first mentioned the article to him, leading him to respond, “You came home from the trip and were like, ‘I read this amazing article!’” Though the two exchanged smiles, some fans sensed an uncomfortable undertone. “There’s truth in every joke,” one viewer commented online, while another noted Mark’s visible unease.
Despite the on-air tension, Kelly and Mark have long shared their personal lives with fans. The pair eloped in 1996 and now share three adult children. Both have spoken in the past about their enduring connection, with Mark recently highlighting the importance of planning their future together, especially as they consider their eventual roles as grandparents. “I never want to stop dreaming about what we could do,” he said in a previous interview, adding, “The word ‘allegiance’ isn’t even strong enough.”
The conversation around “gray divorce” is timely, with rates of divorce among older adults rising significantly in recent years. Coined by the American Association of Retired Persons, the term reflects the unique challenges couples over 50 face when they decide to go their separate ways. Although Kelly’s remarks were likely lighthearted, they offered an intriguing, if brief, glimpse into a relationship that fans have followed for decades.
