Kelly Ripa was officially named a Disney Legend on Sunday, August 11, at the D23 event in Anaheim, California. The talk show host, known for her television work over the past three decades, was honored for her significant contributions to the Walt Disney Company, according to PEOPLE. Ripa accepted the honor with a light-hearted speech filled with jokes and gratitude, making the occasion unforgettable for all in attendance.
Ripa used her acceptance speech to poke fun at herself and her family. She began with a humorous remark: “What has she ever done? She doesn’t even come here,” quoting a famous line from the movie Mean Girls, mocking any doubts about whether she deserved the award.
Ripa’s speech was heartfelt and humorous as she expressed her surprise at being named a Disney Legend. “This feels surreal to me,” she said. She thanked Disney CEO Bob Iger for the “truly magical experience.”
Ryan Seacrest, Ripa’s former co-host, presented her with the award, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Seacrest, who left Live with Kelly and Ryan last year, had a lovely reunion with Ripa on stage.
She took the opportunity to thank Seacrest from the bottom of her heart while also teasing him about his many hosting jobs: “I’m just so glad you finally found something other than hosting.”
Ripa also paid tribute to the other Disney legends being honored and shared how surreal the occasion was for her. In typical Ripa fashion, she lightened the mood with jokes, including a playful jab at Iger: “By the way, I’ve known Bob for 35 years and he hasn’t aged a day. So I just want to know what ride that is.”
Ripa’s speech also touched on her personal connection to Disney, particularly how it has impacted her life. She praised her husband, Mark Consuelos, whom she met on the set of All My Children, which aired on ABC, a Disney network.
“I owe everything to the Walt Disney Company, both professionally and personally,” Ripa said, referring to her meeting with Consuelos, whom she described as her “super-hot husband.”
Ripa added a humorous remark about her three children, saying that they conceived their sons Michael and Joaquin and their daughter Lola “right backstage at the Disney labs.”
ALSO READ: ‘She is timeless’: Lindsay Lohan and Jodie Foster honor Jamie Lee Curtis at Disney Legends ceremony
