Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are nostalgic about their youngest child, Joaquin Consuelos, who is graduating from university. The talk show hosts are approaching a heartwarming milestone in their family as the 22-year-old Joaquin prepares to graduate from the University of Michigan after some years of studying.
The couple recently spoke about their feelings during an episode of their Live with Kelly and Mark. While proud of their son’s accomplishments, Kelly and Mark have grown attached to college town life in Michigan. They have visited often over the years, attending campus events, exploring local spots, and supporting Joaquin.
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’s youngest son
Joaquin Consuelos is the youngest of three children, born after siblings Michael, 27, and Lola, 23. Being the “baby” of the family, yet watching him step into adulthood and move beyond college has stirred nostalgic emotions in his parents, who have begun to see it as the end of one era and the beginning of another for the family.
Joaquin has spent the last four years in Ann Arbor, and now his time as a college student is coming to a close, which his parents seem unable to accept. The parents have joked about trying to find reasons to keep visiting Ann Arbor, with Kelly considering enrolling at the university herself once Joaquin graduates. She is considering studying psychology or communications.
The Consuelos family
The entire family has made the most of their time in Michigan. Earlier this year, they visited Joaquin to celebrate his 22nd birthday, joining him for a weekend of family activities after he had just performed in a college production of A Few Good Men. The weekend also coincided with senior night for the university’s wrestling team, where Joaquin was also actively involved.
Over the years, Kelly and Mark have often shown up for their children during special events despite their work schedule. While the upcoming graduation is a proud moment for them, it also represents a transition with excitement and a hint of sadness as they are not quite ready to let go yet.