Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Get Real About "Gray Divorce" and Other Wild Relationship Confessions

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have a knack for keeping things honest on their show Live with Kelly and Mark. They do not shy away from talking about their marriage even after nearly three decades together. Recently Kelly brought up the idea of a "gray divorce" live on air. This caught her co-host and husband Mark by surprise and certainly got viewers talking.

The couple who married 29 years ago after meeting on All My Children discussed what would happen if they ever broke up. Kelly introduced the topic after reading a study. It said men "place more import on romance and they experience greater mental and physical health benefits from being in a relationship" and "struggle more with the emotional toll of a breakup." She then joked about how Mark might react if they ever split.

"I know if you and I broke up you would absolutely fall apart completely," Kelly said. Mark agreed "That's true." The studio audience let out a collective "aww" after Mark's honest answer. He did not waste time making a few jokes to lighten the mood.

Kelly Ripa Jokes About Wanting a "Gray Divorce" with Her Longtime Husband

The Daytime Host's Surprising Reaction to an Article Sparks On-Air Banter

Kelly explained to Mark that she had read a "fascinating article" about the rise of "gray divorce." This term describes marriages ending when spouses are 50 or older and have been married a long time. Mark naturally asked her "Why are you reading that article?"

Kelly found the article interesting. She shared statistics. She said that in 1990 only 8.7 percent of marriages among people over 50 ended in divorce. By 2019 that number jumped to 36 percent. The reason for these divorces she noted often comes from things like empty nest syndrome a lack of shared interests unfaithfulness or health problems. Mark joked that Kelly would always take care of him and "change my diapers" to which she happily agreed. She said "Of course I will. I do it all the time."

The main reason Kelly was so drawn to the article was the calming voice of the narrator. She listened to it instead of actually reading the words. She found herself thinking "Oh I want one." She explained "Like it sounds like something amazing. And then you realize oh this is very dark subject matter. But the voice of the narrator is so soothing." This shows her humorous take on a serious topic. Luckily Kelly and Mark who have three adult children are not actually considering divorce. Kelly added they "still have a lot in common."

Mark Consuelos' Hilarious Backup Plan If He Ever Parts Ways with Kelly

Nearly Three Decades of Marriage and Plenty of Playful Jabs

Mark did not just agree he would "fall apart" if they divorced. He quickly followed up with a funny backup plan. "But I do feel like someone would be there on the other end just to pick me up and make sure I'm okay. Pretty sure," Mark said as the crowd laughed. He continued with another joke telling Kelly "I'd have to get used to their college schedule and all that stuff."

Kelly laughed and responded "Oh my God. Oh dear God I hope I live to see your second wife!" She shared that they often tease each other about a possible breakup. Mark often counters her jokes with a playful jab about getting a second wife in her absence. This lighthearted banter is a staple of their relationship. It shows how comfortable they are with each other after so many years together.

Their love story began when they met in 1994 on the set of the soap opera All My Children. They quickly became a couple. They eloped to Las Vegas on May 1 1996. Their secret wedding made headlines when Wendy Williams, who was a big name in New York City gossip radio, found out and broke the news. Kelly explained that someone saw them getting their marriage license at the Clark County courthouse and leaked the information to Williams. Almost 30 years later they are still going strong. They have three children Michael 27 Lola 23 and Joaquin 21.

The Public's Mixed Feelings About Kelly and Mark's Open Talk

This Isn't The First Time The Couple Has Shared Personal Details

While Kelly and Mark’s playful back-and-forth brought laughter to some viewers it also caused some division. Social media quickly filled with reactions both supportive and critical. One viewer worried about Kelly’s lighthearted approach. They said "She used the article to make him feel insecure. That can work two ways. The guy clings or he walks out the door. Risky business." Another added "There’s some truth in every joke and Mark definitely looked nervous." Others felt that divorce especially later in life was a sensitive topic to joke about. One fan commented "Divorcing as an older adult is horrible for many of us who’ve gone through it. How lovely that she can joke about it so cavalierly."

However many viewers praised the couple’s openness and humor. "I like them together they are so relatable!" one fan said. This captures how many people feel about Kelly and Mark’s dynamic on and off screen. They have built a reputation for being candid and this episode was no exception. Mark spoke about the secrets behind their lasting marriage in an interview last year. He said "Find someone that you enjoy walking on the beach with talking about the future about what you want." He added that they still do this now dreaming about what they could do and what their future could look like. He especially noted how patient Kelly is saying "I would say that’s a huge factor in our relationship her patience."

A Look Back At Some of Kelly and Mark's Most Candid Moments

From Bedroom Habits to Social Media Shenanigans and Everything in Between

The "gray divorce" discussion is just one example of how open Kelly and Mark are with their audience. They have a long history of sharing personal and often funny details about their relationship. One time Kelly joked that Mark becomes "mean" or disinterested after "special married couple time." Mark later clarified on air that he was simply unconscious or sound asleep. Kelly also posted a series of Halloween throwback photos. Mark commented on the "bulging effect" in his tight CHiPs uniform. Kelly later joked on E! News that this was one of her "top three" reasons for their long marriage.

Kelly admitted that she has to be very careful when sharing family photos online. She does a full-body check before posting vacation memories. She even talked about how they manage their sex life. She famously said the secret to their long marriage is "love and sexy time." Mark initially pushed back saying "Not everything. Not everything!" but she confirmed "Just about almost everything." They have also talked about having sex in unusual places like a public bathroom on the set of All My Children and on a boat. They have not yet done it in a car on the way to an event in a department store dressing room or on the set of their talk show.

During the pandemic when Mark was filming Riverdale in Vancouver Kelly came up with a creative solution for FaceTime calls. She was "alarmed at my appearance over FaceTime" so she started hanging her computer on a ladder. This way she could look up to Mark and he "did not have to see what gravity was actually doing." When Mark joined her as co-host on Live Kelly joked that they had taken a "vow of chastity" while working together. She said this was because ABC "does not like that TV partners banging on the side. So we promise no banging on the side."

They have also talked about the challenges of having their adult children move back home. Once their youngest Joaquin went to college in 2021 Kelly and Mark got used to having an empty nest. They enjoyed "wandering around as we please" and leaving doors open. But when Lola came back from London they had to "lock it up again." Joaquin also came home for summer break forcing them to "lock it up again." Kelly even joked about a "freaky week" when Lola started walking into their bedroom without knocking. This led to Mark having to tell her to knock. These stories show that despite being public figures they face many of the same amusing challenges as any other long-married couple.

Kelly and Mark's Enduring Bond And What It Means For Their Future

Their Openness Continues To Resonate With Viewers And Strengthen Their Connection

Kelly and Mark's willingness to be so open about their lives and marriage is a big part of why fans connect with them. Their jokes and honest discussions, even about sensitive topics like divorce, show a deep level of comfort and trust between them. It is clear that their playful banter comes from a place of genuine affection and a strong partnership. Mark has said "The word allegiance probably isn’t strong enough. But I know she has my back and I hope she knows I have hers."

As they enter this new chapter with all their children grown Kelly and Mark continue to navigate life together. Mark has spoken about how their conversations now often involve the idea of grandchildren. They are designing things around that. He wants to be the "magnets" and the "favorite grandparents." This shows a future-focused outlook and a desire to keep their family close. Their ability to talk through any topic with humor and honesty keeps their relationship strong both on and off screen. It is a big reason why they continue to be one of Hollywood's most beloved couples. Their story is a reminder that even after decades together there is always room for laughter and new conversations.