Kelly Ripa celebrated her birthday on the latest episode of LIVE with Kelly and Mark, but rather than ringing in her 54th year with smiles, she was almost brought to tears.
During the Wednesday, October 2 episode, the actress and TV personality took a moment to pay tribute to a teacher who made a big difference in the life of her son, Joaquin, 21. Ripa took a break from celebrating to remember late teacher Yvette Siegel-Herzog, who passed away on Monday, September 30 at age 100.
"Every now and again, there's a person that enters your life that changes it for the better in ways that seem momentous at the time, but then you flash-forward 10 years, and you go, my gosh, the way this woman has impacted and changed the course of our lives, our family's lives, can't be overstated," Ripa said, welling up with tears.
The Hope & Faith alum explained that Siegel-Herzog was the co-founder of the Stephen Gaynor School, which helps kids with "language-based learning disabilities." She and husband and co-host Mark Consuelos, 53 — with whom she also shares eldest son Michael, 27, and daughter Lola, 23 — sent their son Joaquin to the school until 8th grade.
Ripa recalled meeting Siegel-Herzog at her "most distressed" state, explaining, "That's how she met me. I think I was crying in her office. She was such a special, enlightening, empowering presence in our lives." In a touching moment, Ripa showed the LIVE audience a picture of Siegel-Herzog with Joaquin at his 8th grade graduation.
The 2024 Disney Legend credits Joaquin's success as an A-student at the University of Michigan as due to Siegel-Herzog's help. Ripa admitted that she was so torn up by the news that she hadn't even wanted to come to work.
"I was crushed yesterday, I was really, really crushed," she shared, adding, "I think about all of the generations of kids that she's impacted and what great lovers of learning they've become because of her. I thank her and may your legacy live many, many lifetimes."
In a tribute to their co-founder shared on the Stephen Gaynor School website, Siegel-Herzon was labeled a "visionary" and "a trailblazer in the field of education." Dr. Scott Gaynor, head of the school, said, "Yvette has been an unwavering source of inspiration for all of us at Gaynor, consistently reminding us to place the child at the heart of everything we do."
"Her clear yet profound vision has empowered thousands of students to believe in their potential and strive for their true greatness," his statement continued. "Yvette's deep passion for education, relentless dedication to the success of every child, and love of learning will continue to shape and guide our school for years to come."
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