Mark Consuelos saw his father’s death coming!

The talk show host got candid about his father’s last days and all he did to emotionally prepare himself for a life without the best man he has ever met.

Mark Consuelos’ father, Saul Consuelos, passed away on March 23, 2026, after a protracted illness, leaving the family shattered and heartbroken, especially Mark’s wife, Kelly Ripa.

Mark Consuelos Is Grateful For His Father’s Painless Exit

The media personality, in an exclusive clip from the Tuesday episode of iHeartRadio’s “I’ve Never Said This Before with Tommy DiDario” podcast. Mark became visibly emotional while he spoke about Saul’s death, who passed about five weeks ago.

He noted that he had asked for a merciful death for his father, and he was glad it happened “very quickly and painlessly,” but it did not help him process the loss any easier. The TV personality was filled with words of praise for his late father and the influence his life had on him. In his words:

“My father’s a mythical character to me. He’s, like, the best man I’ve ever met. Everything good that I’ve kind of glommed onto of how I carry myself comes from him.”

He emphasized how much he missed his father and having to deal with his absence, of someone who is always available to him and has been around all his life. 

The ‘Live With Kelly And Mark’ Co-Host Recalled How He Dealt With Grief

Mark added on the podcast that he was busy with work for “Fallen Angels” when his father died, and that forced him to compartmentalize his grief while he focused on production. The TV personality stressed that the loss of his father became more real during the family memorial service.

Detailing what he misses most about his old man, Mark stated that it is the hugs, the laughs, and holding hands that made every moment worthwhile. The host encouraged Mark to look on the bright side and understand that his father is very proud of him.

The actor then revealed that he performs a ritual before hopping on stage every night, which includes looking up now and then and pretending to have a conversation with Saul before he departs for the stage.

In his post about Saul’s death, Mark described him as a brilliant fellow, who built a beautiful life in the United States after migrating from Mexico through hardwork and dedication.

Mark Consuelos’ Wife On How The Patriarch’s Death Affected The Family 

Kelly established a great relationship with her father-in-law, as evidenced in her tribute to him, which revolved around her missing him every day for the rest of her life. As noted by The Blast, Kelly raved about Saul leaving a lasting influence on Mark and how much she appreciates the man he has grown to become.

She added that Saul’s death left a huge blow on the hearts of their three children, who are dealing with their first-ever loss, although she remains super grateful that they were able to spend such a meaningful time with the patriarch.

Mark admitted that Saul’s hands-on parenting style helped build him into the man he is today, especially how he would make him watch him as he fixed things around the house. “There were a lot of lectures… and I learned so much. I learned the most by just watching him,” the actor shared.

Kelly Ripa Praised Her In-Laws For Being Very Involved In Their Kids’ Lives

Kelly had previously spoken about Saul helping out with their family and filling in to take care of the kids whenever they have to take the show on the road. As noted by PEOPLE, the media personality equally shares a close bond with her mother-in-law, just like her sister-in-law also feels.

Mark was proud of his father’s exploits as an immigrant from Mexico who rose to become an officer at the Special Operations Command in Tampa, where he served for three decades. 

Following Saul’s death in March, Mark explained that the family is now focused on supporting Camilla through the grief, including starting a cooking segment on Fridays on their show as part of efforts to get her to move to New York.

Mark Consuelos And Kelly Ripa Became Empty Nesters A Few Years Back

The superstar couple’s last child, Joaquin, left the home last year after graduating from the University of Michigan, and they have been living life on their own terms, especially when it comes to their interesting wardrobe choices.

As stated by The Blast, Mark and Kelly revealed on an episode of their show that nudity in the home has now become the more preferred choice because no one is around to check them.

However, it was not as easy as it is now the first time they realized they were going to be empty nesters right after dropping off their last child in school.

The media personality admitted that she felt their marriage would crumble under the silence of their home because they might not have so much to talk about. She noted that the first 48 hours were filled with anxiety, but they soon found their rhythm as the days went by.

May Mark Consuelos’ father continue to rest in peace!