Kelly Ripa And Mark Consuelos Celebrate Son Joaquin's Graduation From University Of Michigan

And in a proud, happy, nostalgic moment, favorite TV couple Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos jointly celebrate the honor their family is set to receive. Now, long after the semester was permanently canceled due to COVID-19, the child they share youngest, Joaquin Consuelos, received his diploma from the University of Michigan on Sunday, May 3, completing this chapter of his life and, by extension, their lives that looked quite different than expected.

Announcing the news on the May 5 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, She told viewers in her effusive way, "We just returned from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where our newborn baby graduated university," the 54-year-old co-host declared. Her voice betrayed that cocktail of pride and disbelief, the type only the parents of adult children can fully appreciate. "That's right, we're done!"

The ceremony was about more than celebrating academic achievement as it was a family full-circle moment. Michael, 27, and Lola, 23, had come to Ann Arbor to see their youngest brother walk the stage at graduation with their parents. It was a rare occasion for the close-knit family, which has frequently updated fans on their parenting journey.

Co-host and proud dad Mark Consuelos also gave a bit of humor and general relatability to the whole thing. On the air, he shared that many other parents, including himself, were unclear about the day's logistics as he confessed that they had no idea about essential details about the ceremony until they arrived. That feeling echoes many parents managing their children's college-related milestones, proving that even celebrities aren't protected from the occasionally messy way significant life events can play out.

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Joaquin's graduation is an especially emotional time for Ripa and Consuelos, who have shared the special path he has followed. From overcoming struggles in his life to forging his own path at the University of Michigan, Joaquin's academic success is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the love and support of his family.

Parenting has always been central to Kelly and Mark's public image. Like many famous people who are also parents, this couple has been in the public eye for decades. They have spoken openly about the challenges of raising three children while juggling high-demand careers, and moments like this further illustrate how clearly they take to heart their roles as mom and dad. Joaquin's graduation celebrates years' worth of growth, hard work, and love that all led him to this moment.

Their night of jubilation also closed a symbolic chapter. And with their youngest child having graduated from college, the couple is officially in the "empty nester" phase. Though that surely comes with a rollercoaster of emotions, Kelly and Mark seemed nothing short of jubilant to acknowledge the milestone while on their show. This anniversary reminds us why Ripa and Consuelos are still relevant. They are two people, parents, partners, and humans doing the best they can to roll with life's punches while there are kisses and cups of coffee to be had.

As Joaquin continues on his journey, growing up and figuring out what he wants to do, whether it's more school, a college education, a career, or delving into new passions, he takes with him the love, support, and pride that family has for him. They always cheer him on and help him find his way both on and off-screen. And for Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, this is one of their proudest on-air declarations.