Kelly Ripa Returns to LIVE! After Two Months Away — and Makes a Revealing Comment About Her Future

Kelly Ripa is back behind the Live! with Kelly and Mark desk after a summer away — and her return came with a notable revelation about her long-running role on the show.

Ripa returned for the season 39 premiere on September 8, marking her first live appearance since July after weeks of pre-recorded episodes. Standing alongside her husband and co-host, Mark Consuelos, she welcomed viewers to another season and reflected on just how long she has been part of the daytime program.

“It is the first day of our 39th season!” Ripa said. “This will be my 26th season. And, guys, more importantly, it is Mark’s fourth season.”

For Consuelos, the new season also marked the end of what the couple jokingly referred to as his “presidential term.” The pair laughed about having to readjust to their routines after spending so much time away from the studio.

“I’m lazier than ever before,” Ripa admitted while talking about her summer.

She also shared one of the highlights of the break: getting to spend four days with all three of the couple’s children together.

“We got to see all three of our kids for four days, together, it was amazing. Not a single fight erupted!” she said.

Why Kelly Ripa Was Away From the Show

Ripa’s extended absence followed a medical procedure she underwent over the summer.

During the July 27 episode, Consuelos explained to viewers that his wife would be stepping away from LIVE! after having gum graft surgery.

“Kelly had a little bit — well, it’s not a little — she had a gum graft surgery,” he said at the time.

The procedure involves taking healthy gum tissue and placing it over exposed tooth roots, helping address gum recession and reduce tooth sensitivity.

According to Consuelos, Kelly’s dentist had recommended the procedure five years earlier. At the time, Ripa joked that she never expected she would still be appearing on television five years later.

He later reassured viewers that she was “doing well” and “doing great,” while noting that she needed to continue following her doctor’s instructions during recovery.

Several familiar faces stepped in while she was away. Kevin Jonas, Mila Kunis, Pamela Adlon and Scott Foley served as guest hosts during the first week, followed by Sarah Chalke, Jenna Dewan, Michelle Buteau, Carrie Coon and Déjà Vu.

Ripa Opens Up About Her Surgery

Ripa also discussed the procedure herself on her Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast, revealing just how involved the recovery would be.

She explained that she would not be “allowed to talk for 10 days” because the procedure involved removing skin from the roof of her mouth and placing it over her gums.

Ripa also admitted that her own habit contributed to the problem.

“I’m an over-brusher. I brush my teeth too much. It’s a good bad habit. So, they’ve got to re-gum my gums!” she said.

But she was quick to acknowledge that she had actually been advised to undergo the procedure years earlier.

“Before you praise me, I was supposed to do it five years ago,” she explained.

According to Ripa, her doctor eventually told her that she could no longer keep postponing it: “Now, you don’t have the luxury of time!”

A Summer of Pre-Recorded Episodes

Ripa’s time away also coincided with Live! with Kelly and Mark’s regular summer hiatus.

Through Labor Day, viewers continued seeing episodes that had been recorded ahead of time. The broadcasts included newly filmed conversations, material recorded before the break and previously aired celebrity interviews.

With Ripa now back for season 39, the show has officially returned to its regular schedule — bringing the longtime host back to the desk for another season and marking her 26th year on the program.