Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are now done with college graduations. This couple just watched their youngest son, Joaquin Consuelos, finish university. During their show, "LIVE with Kelly and Mark," the co-hosts shared what it was like. "We just returned from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where our newborn baby graduated university," Ripa said. "That's right. We are done."
Mark Consuelos added that he and Kelly had many questions about the graduation day plans. They found out from other parents, mostly mothers of other boys, that they also did not have all the details. "What was interesting was we were talking to all of the other parents, we realized we weren't alone, because there's a bunch of information that parents need," he said. Kelly agreed, saying it was "the moms of the boys that said, 'I had no idea this was even happening until you sent that group text.'" It sounds like a common issue for parents trying to keep up with their grown children.
The Consuelos Family Gathers To Celebrate Joaquin's Graduation From Michigan
From Theater Showcases To A Big Stadium Ceremony, It Was A Weekend Of Milestones
The couple also mentioned that Joaquin performed in a theater showcase. Their daughter, Lola Consuelos, flew all the way from London to see it. Their oldest son, Michael Consuelos, joined the whole family for the big graduation ceremony later. Kelly said her favorite part of the weekend was the student athlete graduation. Joaquin was a varsity wrestler during his four years at the University of Michigan.
"They had a procession with this orchestral music," she said. "It was like going to the Olympics. It was so exciting." As the student athletes walked across the stage, they were given something. Kelly saw kids opening it up, looking at it, and then closing it. She wondered, "What is it? What have they been given?" Then the school announced that they were compasses with the coordinates to Ann Arbor. The idea was that whenever they feel lost, the compass will always direct them home. This sweet gesture really seemed to move Kelly.
This graduation felt different for Kelly and Mark because it was their last child finishing college. "This one hit differently because it’s our last kid to graduate," Kelly admitted. "So we just kept waiting for something bad to happen." Mark agreed, saying "We held our breath until he walked across the stage. We didn’t believe it until we saw him walk across the stage." People would congratulate them but they would say "Just don’t say anything yet because we don’t actually...." Kelly even checked the program for Joaquin’s name to be sure. She joked that Lola called her "self-centered" for only looking for Joaquin's name, but Kelly just wanted to be sure he graduated because he is "very cagey with the details." Luckily, it all worked out, and Joaquin is officially a college graduate. His sister Lola graduated from NYU in 2023. His brother Michael also graduated from NYU back in 2020.
Kelly Ripa's Passport Photo Secret That Gives Her Relentless Pride
How A Paparazzi Picture Became Her Favorite Identification Card Image
In other news, Kelly Ripa recently shared a surprising story about her passport picture. On her show "Live with Kelly and Mark," she admitted that her passport now fills her with "relentless pride." She used a paparazzi photo for it! Kelly explained that she was "under the wire" when she was getting her passport pictures done. She chose the option where she could pick her own photo.
"I used a paparazzi photo of me from an event, and I look stunning," the star said. "Kristopher Buckle did my makeup; I’m smiling with my teeth. So when they see me arrive, they’re like, ‘Walk through that again?’ And I’m like, ‘I swear it’s me.’" It sounds like something only a celebrity could pull off. She truly loves this picture. "It’s an abnormal, amazing photo," Kelly cheerfully noted. "You know how everyone’s ashamed of their passport photo? I show mine with relentless pride! I’m like, ‘Look at MY passport!’"
Mark Consuelos, however, found the whole situation a little funny. He called it "a little ridiculous honestly." He joked that her hair was "all flouncy." Mark believes passport photos should be "serious." "It’s a serious event when you show your passport. You gotta be serious!" he playfully remarked. But it is clear Kelly does not agree. She takes great joy in showing off her perfect photo, a rare feat for anyone who has ever had to take one of those official pictures.
From Parenting Moments To Personal Style Choices, Kelly Ripa Keeps It Real
Reflecting On The Humorous And Heartfelt Sides Of Her Public Life
These two recent stories about Kelly Ripa, from her son's graduation to her passport photo, show different sides of her public personality. She can be the proud, slightly overwhelmed parent, dealing with the common struggles of empty nest syndrome. She also handles the everyday moments of family life. But she also brings a dash of her unique celebrity sparkle to something as mundane as a passport picture. It is a reminder that even famous people go through similar family moments as the rest of us. They just might have a more glamorous passport photo to show for it.
Kelly and Mark often share these personal stories on their show, giving viewers a peek into their lives. This openness is a big part of why many people connect with them. Whether it is a touching moment about a child growing up or a silly anecdote about a passport, they manage to make it relatable and entertaining. It is clear that while their lives have famous parts, there is still a lot of real, everyday humor and emotion to be found. This blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary is what makes Kelly Ripa's public persona so enduring.