I’m Happier at 50
THE TV HOST OPENS UP ABOUT HER EXCITING NEXT CHAPTER AND WHY SHE’S NEVER FELT BETTER
Kelly Ripa celebrated her milestone birthday on Oct. 2 surrounded by love — and gifts. “Her husband Mark [Consuelos] got her flowers, balloons, her favorite cheese spread, a delicious birthday cake and most importantly, jewelry!” says a friend. “It was perfect.”
Kelly doesn’t look or feel any older, but she admits she appreciates the wisdom that comes with the years. “Every decade you learn from the previous decade the mistakes you made. I feel so much better now than I did going into my 40s,” she confesses.
Earlier in her life, Kelly stressed over her appearance and despaired when her acting career sputtered. “She wanted to be a famous actress, but that wasn’t in the cards,” confides the friend. “Once she realized that hard work, perseverance and honesty were keys to life, well, things just fell into place.”
This mother of three children — Michael, 23, Lola, 19, and Joaquin, 17 — has also learned to put family first. “I’m focused on the next chapter of my life, but I’m really focused on what they’re doing first,” she says. “I’ll line up behind them.”
UP NEXT
While she’s still excited to be hosting Live With Kelly and Ryan, Kelly and Mark are also planning ways to work together. The couple recently inked a deal with Lifetime to produce two movies. “My goal ultimately would be to get off camera and start working behind the camera,” says Kelly, who is looking forward to life’s exciting new adventures. “She’s definitely happier now in her marriage and career,” says the friend. “She feels blessed.”
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