Kelly Ripa Mourns the Loss of Her Beloved Mother, Esther Ripa, at 83

In a heartbreaking turn of events, beloved television host and actress Kelly Ripa is grieving the loss of her mother, Esther Ripa, who passed away at the age of 83 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. The news, which has sent ripples of sorrow through fans and the entertainment world, marks the end of an inspiring life defined by love, resilience, and unwavering support for her family. Esther’s quiet strength and profound influence on Kelly’s life and career have left an indelible mark, making her passing a deeply felt loss for those who knew her story.

A Life of Love and Legacy

Esther Ripa, born and raised in New Jersey, was the heart of the Ripa family, a matriarch whose Italian-American heritage and steadfast commitment to family values shaped those around her. Married to Joseph Ripa since 1962, Esther raised two daughters, Kelly and Linda, in a home filled with laughter, love, and lessons of hard work. Kelly often credited her mother’s nurturing presence as the foundation of her success, describing her as the “sunshine of my life” in a touching Instagram tribute on Esther’s birthday in 2024. “My mom and dad are the reason I am who I am today,” Kelly once shared, highlighting the profound influence Esther had on her vibrant personality and illustrious career.

Despite her preference for privacy, Esther’s impact was undeniable. She shied away from the spotlight, often humorously dodging Kelly’s attempts to capture her in photos, but her role as a loving mother and grandmother to Kelly’s three children—Michael, Lola, and Joaquin—spoke volumes. Her resilience shone through in her battles with health challenges, including overcoming cancer years earlier and undergoing heart surgery in 2022, which Kelly praised her for navigating with grace and humor.

A Silent Battle with a Rare Cancer

Esther’s final fight was against a rare and insidious cancer, a disease that often evades early detection and poses significant challenges for treatment. Diagnosed with this uncommon illness, Esther faced her illness with the same strength and optimism that defined her life. Kelly, known for her openness with fans, shared the emotional toll of her mother’s illness, expressing gratitude for Esther’s courage and the inspiration she provided to those around her. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals and the unwavering support of her family, Esther’s condition proved insurmountable, and she passed away at 83, leaving behind a legacy of love and perseverancejon.

The news of Esther’s passing has struck a chord with fans, many of whom have followed Kelly’s heartfelt stories about her family on Live with Kelly and Mark. The outpouring of support on social media reflects the deep connection fans felt to Esther through Kelly’s loving tributes, with one commenting, “Your mom is so beautiful, I see where you get your gorgeous looks from!! You are so blessed.”

Kelly’s Heartfelt Response and Advocacy

In the wake of her mother’s passing, Kelly has been candid about her grief, sharing with her audience the profound loss of a woman who “lived her whole life for others.” Her emotional farewell underscored Esther’s selflessness, noting that even in her final moments, “she didn’t want anyone to worry.” Kelly’s openness has not only humanized her to millions but also sparked a broader conversation about the importance of early detection and research for rare cancers. A longtime advocate for cancer awareness, Kelly has supported the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, raising millions through events like Super Saturday, motivated by the loss of a childhood friend to the disease. Now, Esther’s story adds a personal layer to Kelly’s mission, as she hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health.

A Family’s Strength in Sorrow

The Ripa family, known for their tight-knit bond, is navigating this loss together. Kelly, alongside her husband and co-host Mark Consuelos, and their children, are leaning on each other for support. Esther’s influence is evident in the family’s resilience, a trait Kelly often attributed to her mother’s teachings of perseverance and joy. Fans have flooded social media with messages of condolence, with one writing, “Happiest of birthdays to your beautiful mom!!! Great pictures, never stop taking them!!” in response to Kelly’s earlier tributes, a sentiment that now carries a bittersweet weight.

A Lasting Legacy

Esther Ripa’s life was a testament to the power of family, love, and quiet strength. Though she preferred to stay out of the public eye, her influence radiated through Kelly’s stories, from her gravity-defying beehive hairstyle in throwback photos to her chic bob cut by her husband Joseph before her 2022 heart surgery. Esther’s humor, grace, and dedication to her family will continue to inspire, as Kelly vows to honor her mother’s memory by living with the same joy and authenticity Esther embodied.

As the Ripa family prepares for Esther’s funeral, the entertainment world pauses to reflect on a woman whose love shaped one of daytime television’s brightest stars. Esther Ripa’s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of family bonds. Her legacy lives on in the laughter, love, and strength she instilled in her children and grandchildren, and in the hearts of those touched by her story.