This morning was Regis Philbin’s last day co-hosting “Live! with Regis and Kelly,” and ABC went all-out to celebrate the man who holds the record for most hours spent in front of a TV camera. Attendees included Former NBC and CBS News anchor Katie Couric, who recently joined ABC, Couric’s former “Today” colleague Bryant Gumbel, “ABC World news” anchor Diane Sawyer, Disney CEO Bob Iger, former “Today” anchor Meredith Vieira, former “Good Morning America” anchor Joan Lunden, current “GMA” anchor Robin Roberts, Philbin’s former “Live!” co-host and current “Today” co-host Kathie Lee Gifford, actors Tony Danza and Alan Alda, cable news regular Donald Trump and more.
“I will always remember spending these mornings together,”Philbin said at the close of the program. “I hope to see you all again real soon.”
While Philbin may return to TV at some point, today’s event was treated as something of a retirement party, with New York City Mayor (and Bloomberg TV founder) Mike Bloomberg presenting Philbin with a key to the city, and Iger unveiling a plaque in Philbin’s honor outside of Disney’s New York headquarters on Columbus Avenue.
Starting Monday, Philbin’s “Live!” co-host Kelly Ripa will continue the program with a revolving door of guest co-hosts until the network settles on a successor to Philbin.
Some more photos from today’s program, below.