Regis Philbin dead at 88: Kelly Ripa, Michael Strahan, Kathie Lee Gifford, Jimmy Kimmel & more pay tribute to late host

Kelly Ripa, Ryan Seacrest, Kathie Lee Gifford, Jimmy Kimmel and more stars mourned the loss of friend and “mentor” Regis Philbin on Saturday.

The longtime TV host died at the age of 88 on Friday from natural causes.

Regis’ first Live! co-host, Kathie Lee, paid tribute to the late TV personality, whom she worked with for over 15 years.

The television star wrote: “There are no words to fully express the love I have for my precious friend, Regis.

“I simply adored him and every day with him was a gift. We spent 15 years together bantering and bickering and laughing ourselves silly—a tradition and a friendship we shared up to this very day.

“I smile knowing somewhere in Heaven, at this very moment, he’s making someone laugh.

She continued: “It brings me great comfort knowing that he had a personal relationship with his Lord that brought him great peace.

“I send all the love in my heart to Joy, to his children, to the rest of his family and to the innumerable people he touched over his legendary life.

“There has never been anyone like him. And there never will be.”

Kelly, who now co-hosts the Live! talk show with Ryan, first worked with Regis on the program and hosted with him from 2001 to 2011.

She, along with her new co-star, honored the late TV host with a sweet photo of the three of them and the shared statement: “We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin.

“He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years.

“We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show.

“We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place.”

Michael Strahan, who hosted Live! with Kelly before Ryan joined, wrote a touching tribute, as well.

The former NFL player shared: “I’m absolutely heartbroken. Regis was an incredible man who could light up any room.

“He always made me feel special no matter if I saw him in the studio or ran into him on the street.

Michael added: “Legend and Icon aren’t strong enough words to describe him. He will never be forgotten!!

“Sending my love and condolences to his family. I am forever grateful to have known him. RIP”

Today show host Hoda Kotb said she is “heartbroken” and “will miss” Regis.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel, whose show Regis was a guest on multiple times, wrote: “Regis was a great broadcaster, a good friend and a tremendous amount of fun.

“He leaves behind a beautiful family and a TV legacy that will likely go unmatched.

“Regis, I hope our friend Rickles met you at the pearly gates with open arms and a slew of the insults you loved so much.”

Wolverine Hugh Jackman opened up about how the late talk show host made everyone “happy,” while Ellen DeGeneres said Regis spent a lot of time on-air and “we were all better for it.”

Actress Holly Robinson Peete wrote it’s “truly the end of an era,” while Jerry O’Connell said “Regis was A KING.”

Regis is survived by daughters J.J. Philbin and Joanna Philbin — whom he shared with wife of 50 years Joy Philbin — and his daughter Amy Philbin — whom he shared with first wife Catherine Faylen.