SAD NEW: Kelly Ripa’s mother, Esther Ripa, dies at 83 from rare cancer

Kelly Ripa, the well-known actress and television host, is deeply saddened by the passing of her mother, Esther Ripa, after a long fight with a rare form of cancer.

Esther Ripa was diagnosed with a very uncommon type of cancer, making treatment complicated and challenging. This rare cancer often develops quietly and is difficult to detect early, posing significant challenges for medical professionals. The prolonged treatment required immense patience and strength from both Esther and her family.

Throughout her battle, Esther remained strong and optimistic, inspiring everyone around her, especially Kelly. Despite her courageous fight, she was ultimately unable to overcome the disease.

The family is currently preparing for Esther’s funeral amid a deeply emotional atmosphere. Kelly, known for her close bond with her mother, is experiencing profound sadness as she says goodbye to her beloved parent.

Kelly has publicly shared her immense loss with fans, expressing deep gratitude for her mother’s resilience and unconditional love. Through her mother’s story, Kelly hopes to raise awareness about rare cancers and encourage others to pay closer attention to their health and early detection.

Esther Ripa’s passing is not only a great loss for Kelly but also for everyone who knew her strength and the love she shared with her family. Kelly plans to spend the coming days surrounded by loved ones as she navigates this difficult time.

This story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing rare cancers—conditions that often go unnoticed but can have serious consequences.

Television audiences know Kelly Ripa as the bubbly, quick-witted co-host of Live with Kelly and Mark, but behind the bright lights and laughter, the beloved star is now enduring one of the most heartbreaking moments of her life. On Thursday, Ripa confirmed the passing of her mother, Esther Ripa, at the age of 83, following a private but courageous battle with a rare form of cancer.

In a heartfelt social media post, Kelly shared a black-and-white photograph of her mother from her younger days, accompanied by a short but emotional caption: “My beautiful mom, Esther, 1941–2025. You showed me how to love, how to fight, and how to live. I’ll miss you forever.” The post quickly drew thousands of comments from fans, celebrities, and friends offering condolences and sharing memories of Esther’s kindness and spirit.

A Quiet but Fierce Fighter
According to a family statement, Esther had been diagnosed with a rare cancer just over a year ago. She chose to keep her illness largely private, focusing instead on spending quality time with her family, including her three children and multiple grandchildren. Sources close to the family say Esther remained positive and full of humor throughout her treatment, often encouraging her loved ones to “cherish every moment.”

Esther Ripa was described by those who knew her as deeply devoted to her family, a loving wife to her late husband, Joseph, and a supportive mother who always stood behind her children’s dreams. Friends recall her as “warm, witty, and endlessly caring,” the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome in her home.

Kelly’s Bond With Her Mother
Kelly Ripa has often spoken fondly of her upbringing in New Jersey, crediting her parents for instilling in her the values of hard work, humility, and resilience. On multiple occasions, she invited her mother onto Live, where Esther’s quick humor and no-nonsense advice made her an instant hit with viewers.

“She wasn’t just my mom — she was my best friend,” Kelly once said during a Mother’s Day tribute. “She taught me how to face life with grace, no matter what came my way.”

Support From Fans and Colleagues
Following the announcement, Kelly’s co-host and husband, Mark Consuelos, addressed the loss briefly on Live, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love the family has received. “Esther was an incredible woman. We’re heartbroken, but also thankful for the time we had with her,” he said, his voice breaking.

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Ryan Seacrest, Anderson Cooper, and Andy Cohen were among those who sent public messages of support. Many fans shared how Esther’s appearances on Live had brightened their mornings and left a lasting impression.

A Legacy of Love
While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, those who knew Esther believe her spirit will live on through her family’s work and the values she passed down. Kelly has asked for privacy as the family grieves, but also encouraged fans to honor her mother’s memory by “hugging their loved ones a little tighter today.”

Esther Ripa’s life, though now concluded, continues to inspire — a testament to the quiet strength, unconditional love, and enduring grace that defined her 83 remarkable years.