'Live' Welcomes Jessica Simpson With Kelly Ripa Missing
By Rebecca Cukier on March 23, 2021 at 2:25 PM EDT
LiveKellyRyan/Instagram
Kelly Ripa, who has been missing in action for two days straight on "Live!" is seeing the show she co-hosts welcome another famous blonde. The 50-year-old talk show queen is assumed to be taking a break as 45-year-old Ryan Seacrest makes headlines for his temporary co-host, with Monday and Tuesday of this week bringing 42-year-old Maria Menounous filling Kelly's shoes. On Monday night, 40-year-old actress and singer Jessica Simpson peeped a quick hint at what she'd be up to on Tuesday. Check it out below.
LiveKellyRyan/Instagram
Scroll for the photo. While Ryan made 2020 headlines for ditching Kelly for two days straight as he both took a day off and awaited the results of a COVID test, it's seemingly right back 'atcha as the former "All My Children" actress vanishes. Kelly has given no reason for her absence, with footage on the "Live!" Instagram account welcoming media personality Maria two days in a row.
Jessica Simpson, who is celebrating the paperback release of her "Open Book" memoir, was booked for "Live!" on the March 23 episode.
JessicaSimpson/Instagram
Jessica took to her Instagram stories and posting for her 5.1 million followers. It looked like the "Dukes of Hazzard" star had been busy, appearing on both "Good Morning America" and, right after it, on "Live!" Jessica shared a gorgeous beachy and rocky-set shot of herself in a white top and sending out a mean gaze.
"Catch me on @livewithkellyandryan this morning," the mom of three wrote with "TUESDAY MARCH 23" seen at the top. She also announced the 8 am. slot on "GMA."
JessicaSimpson/Instagram
Jessica, fresh from celebrating 2019-born Birdie Mae's second birthday, took to Instagram today with an entire post dedicated to "Open Book."
"A little over a year ago, I released my memoir Open Book. I got to go out on the road to talk about my story and I was humbled that so many of you bravely shared your struggles and triumphs with me and trusted that I would understand," she began, then announcing both the paperback release and a release surprise.
JessicaSimpson/Instagram
Calling writing her "haven," Jessica said the book allowed her a place to be a "raw and honest" version of herself. "Today the Open Book paperback edition comes out and I have added a new introduction and some very personal journal entries that will show you a little bit about why journaling has been so important to me throughout my life," the star added.
Jessica's book experienced a massive spike in sales during the first wave of the pandemic. Scroll for her staggering 100-pound weight loss.
