Kelly Ripa Resolves the Michael Strahan Drama During Her Return to Live!: "Our National Nightmare Is Over"

After Kelly Ripa was blindsided by last week's news that her Live! cohost, Michael Strahan, would be leaving the show in September to work for Good Morning America full-time, the TV host had quite a dramatic few days. Despite her being all smiles during an outing in NYC with husband Mark Consuelos, fans of the morning show were left wondering if Kelly would ever return. Thankfully, she came back on Tuesday, triumphantly walking out on stage hand in hand with Michael. Kelly then addressed the audience personally, which earned her a standing ovation and nearly brought her to tears.

"Guys, our long national nightmare is over," she began. "I first want to honestly, sincerely thank you for welcoming me back to this show. The love, the show of support to this bizarre time has been really overwhelming. I really needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts. After 26 years with this company, I earned the right — and let's be honest, I know half of you called in sick to be here, so we get each other." She delivered the entire monologue — including a congratulations to Michael on his new job with GMA — with her trademark genuine, funny, and sincere tone, which hopefully means the drama is over for good. Watch what she had to say above!