Regis Philbin passed away on Friday at the age of 88. After his family confirmed the legendary TV star's death, many of Philbin's friends and co-workers posted tributes to him on social media. Two of Philbin's former Live! co-hosts—Kelly Ripa and Kathie Lee Gifford—shared emotional messages about Philbin and the influential role he played in their careers.
Ripa's message was signed from both her and her current Live! co-host Ryan Seacrest. "We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years," the tribute reads. "We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show. We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place."
Gifford also took to Instagram to write a sweet note about her longtime friendship with Philbin. The pair hosted Live! together for 15 years and remained close after Gifford's departure from the show. "There are no words to fully express the love I have for my precious friend, Regis. I simply adored him and every day with him was a gift," Gifford wrote. "We spent 15 years together bantering and bickering and laughing ourselves silly—a tradition and a friendship we shared up to this very day. I smile knowing somewhere in Heaven, at this very moment, he’s making someone laugh. It brings me great comfort knowing that he had a personal relationship with his Lord that brought him great peace. I send all the love in my heart to Joy, to his children, to the rest of his family and to the innumerable people he touched over his legendary life. There has never been anyone like him. And there never will be."
Philbin passed away from natural causes. He was one month shy of his 89th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Joy, and his four children Joanna, J. J., Amy, and Danny.
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