Jeffrey Ufberg/Ben Hider/Dimitrios Kambouris /WireimageAfter four years co-hosting beside Kelly Ripa, Friday will mark Michael Strahan's very last day on Live! With Kelly and Michael.
Despite the years of camaraderie and good memories, the weeks leading up to his departure—which he is making in order to start a full-time position on Good Morning America—have been a little rocky. Kelly has not been shy in voicing her dislike over the network's lack of communication with her about the change, and the drama has caused some obvious tension between the pair.
Thus, Michael's last day, which was originally scheduled for September, has been moved up to tomorrow. Sources tell E! news the former football player is hoping for a low-key goodbye and doesn't expect anything more. However, looking back on the previous goodbyes from former co-hosts Kathie Lee Gifford (in 2000) and Regis Philbin (in 2011), their final shows were anything but low-key.
After 15 years hosting with Regis (from 1985-2000), Kathie Lee made her exit from the show to spend more time with her family. He made sure to give her a proper send off by celebrating throughout their entire final episode together.
Not only did she have family and friends in the audience, they also played back her very first show beside Regis as well as all of their most adorable moments over the years. She then got a sweet message from David Letterman and an award from the President and CEO of Disney.
Her kids we in the audience and presented her with a gift for their soon-to-be mornings shared at home, and Regis also gave her a special surprise by singing a farewell song beside her.
The studio was decorated in posters of photos from her time on Live!, and they closed the show by toasting with a glass of champagne, balloons and some cake.
As expected, "Regis' Farewell Celebration" (as the episode was titled) was an even bigger extravaganza, paying tribute to his 28 years on the show.
They started off the episode with a final walk down the hallway and into the studio, which contained a massive audience that was filled with all of Regis' friends and family members, including VIPs like Donald Trump, Tony Danza, Katie Couric and Kathie Lee.
The entire episode was dedicated to Regis and his years in the industry, including his career and life leading up to Live!, skits of celebrities impersonating him and fans sharing kind notes and videos of their love for him.
Not only did the Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg pay a visit, but he also received a plaque in his honor from the President and CEO of Disney and a musical dedication called "995,000 Minutes," which was exactly how much time he'd spent on air during his career.
The show concluded with a thoughtful monologue from Regis, thanking all of his fans and promising to see them again soon