Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are in celebration mode.
After all, the couple’s 22-year-old son Joaquin Consuelos graduated from the University of Michigan on May 3. And fittingly, they gushed over his ceremony on Live! With Kelly and Mark.
“We just returned from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where our newborn baby graduated university,” Kelly, 54, excitedly announced in the May 5 episode of their talk show. “That’s right, we’re done!”
And while the duo—who also attended the ceremony with their kids Michael, 27, and Lola, 23—were excited to see their youngest walk across the stage in his gown, they were unsure of what to expect. In fact, Mark revealed that he and many “other parents” didn’t know certain important details about the graduation until the day of.
“There’s a bunch of information that parents need. Like, what time is this? Where do you need to be? When should we be here? Do you have our tickets on your phone?” the Riverdale star continued, before joking that Joaquin should’ve had a plan prepared beforehand. “We thought, at 22, that this is something he should’ve grown out of by now.”
Despite the limited instructions, the Ripa-Consuelos family had a nice time. Kelly revealed the graduation festivities began with a “big showcase” on May 1, where they watched Joaquin (a theater major) perform a live show. Then the following day, he secured his diploma from the School of Drama.
Now that their youngest has scored his first degree, Kelly might follow his steps. Nearly a month before Joaquin’s graduation, the All My Children alum—who briefly studied psychology at Camden County College over two decades ago—teased that she, too, wanted to continue her studies at her son’s alma mater.
“My whole thing is I want to go to college,” the co-host explained in the April 17 episode of Live! “I want to go to a four-year university, and I want to get my degree in something. What? I don’t know.”
Keep reading to see more of Kelly and Mark’s cutest family moments…
Empty Nest, No Problem
For the first September in at least 20 years that she didn’t have a kid to see off to school, Kelly filled the void with a throwback from 2008.
Look Out, Behind You!
Looks like Michael’s about to get the drop on his little sister in this pic their dad shared on Lola’s 19th birthday in 2020.
Class of 2021
Joaquin is surrounded by love at his high school graduation.
Big Men on Campus
“Looks like @instasuelos just found out he won’t be @joaquinconsuelos roommate in the fall,” Kelly teased during a trip to Ann Arbor before Joaquin started at University of Michigan.
Kelly took a few days off in March 2022 to watch the Wolverines compete in the Division 1 Wrestling Championships in Detroit.
Still a freshman, Joaquin didn’t wrestle this time, but still, Kelly said on Live upon her return, “It took years off my life watching these young men.”
Generational Health
The whole family finally made it to Greece and Italy in June 2021 after the pandemic had other plans in 2020.
“Last year’s graduation trip for our oldest son and niece was delayed long enough to become a graduation trip for the family newborns as well,” Kelly shared.
Heavenly Holiday
This family pic from their Mediterranean getaway turned out so well, Kelly made it their 2021 holiday card.
A Sweet Memory
“Happy Easter from the year 2012 because Lola approved this photo,” Kelly captioned this throwback, never missing a chance to tease her perpetually appalled teen on social media.
Beautiful Girls
Mark wished the “spectacular women” in his life a happy International Women’s Day.
Apples of Her Eye
“Happy Valentine’s Day to the loves of my life!” Kelly wrote from the heart on Feb. 14, 2022.
Nice View if You Can Get It
Kelly celebrated the fruits of her labor on National Sons Day, Sept. 28, 2021.
Mommy & Son
Kelly and Mark’s eldest child, son Michael Consuelos, 24 at the time, posted this sweet throwback photo of him and his mom on her 51st birthday in 2021, writing, “Happy Birthday, Mom!! I hope you have the greatest day ever. You’re a badass and an inspiration to everyone. Also, when I call you a T. Rex, I mean it as a compliment. You should know that by now.”
History Repeating
In August 2020, Kelly Ripa shared an epic recreation of an old family photo from 2003 on Instagram. With youngest son Joaquin on her lap and older kids Michael and Lola perfectly in place, we’d say they nailed it despite the fact that, as Kelly noted, “objects may appear larger.”
Glad Grad
In May 2020, Kelly and Mark celebrated eldest son Michael’s graduation—albeit a virtual one, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic—from New York University. Marking the occasion, Kelly wrote on Instagram, “And just like that you graduated college. MJC, the joy and pride you have brought our family is indescribable. I love you with all my heart.”
All Grown Up
From kids to teenagers! “#tbt 2011 vs. 2019 Les murs sont devenus plus petits,” Kelly shared in an Instagram post that showed just how much her kids have grown.
School’s Out
“The Graduate #2019,” Kelly wrote on Instagram celebrating Lola’s final days of high school.
Star-Studded Walk
Kelly receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 was an all-hands-on-deck event.
Milestone Moments
Kelly matched her son’s gown and the flowers at Joaquin’s middle school graduation.
Selfie Time
When your family is this beautiful, you would likely be posing for selfies more often than not too.
Joy to the World
Holidays always bring family together and this famous crew is no exception.
Family Fun Day
Back in 2003, Kelly and husband Mark Consuelos celebrated the opening night for A Year With Frog and Toad at Maxine’s in New York City.
Red Carpet Pros
Back in 2001, Mark and Kelly took their son to the ATLANTIS The Lost Empire premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City.
Snow Day
Whether they are traveling somewhere hot and tropical or cool and snowy, this family always knows how to have a good time.
