ABC(NEW YORK) — Today was the last day on Live with Kelly & Michael for Michael Strahan.
The former football Giants star and NFL Hall of Famer will be heading to Good Morning America full-time in September.
Strahan and co-host Kelly Ripa came out holding hands to Pink’s “Raise Your Glass.” The two embraced when they got to their seats.
“We did it!” Strahan yelled.
Ripa joked that it was Friday the 13th, but Strahan said, “13 is a lucky number.”
“It is your final day on the show, we all came today to celebrate you,” Ripa said.
“It’s bittersweet…I’ve done this for four years,” said Strahan. “I’m still in the family and I’m still available to come back.”
“I don’t like a big to-do about it,” he added. “We come out here every morning and we make people laugh…I think that’s what we need to do now.”
There were several flashbacks to celebrate Strahan, including a montage of some of Strahan’s funnier moments. Clips of him playing jelly bean roulette and joking around with WWE superstar John Cena were shown before first guest Matt Bomer was brought on stage.
Bomer, who starred in Magic Mike XXL with Strahan, thanked his friend for co-hosting the show over the years. “You always conduct yourself with great intelligence and grace,” he told Strahan.
Later, the show ran a special “This Is Your Life” for Strahan, featuring him laughing, and laughing, and laughing some more, along with some of the funnier things he’s done over the years, like wearing “Kinky Boots” and taking on the Tough Mudder.
It got more emotional when the music got somber and featured Strahan winning an Emmy and returning from his NFL Hall of Fame induction. His first show back in September 2012 was also shown.
The news of Strahan’s move from Live to GMA broke last month, with Strahan thanking his Live fans at the time of the big announcement.
“My time…has been transformative, and my departure will be bittersweet. Kelly has been an unbelievable partner, and I am so thankful to her and the entire team. I am extremely grateful for the amazing support I’ve received from all of the fans,” he said.
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