Kelly Ripa Addressed Rumors That She’s Involved In the College Cheating Scandal

From Woman's Day

Once news broke about the college cheating scandal involving actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, somehow Kelly Ripa became the subject of speculation. Although Kelly or her husband Mark Consuelos weren't named in the scandal, some assumed she was involved because she has college-age children, too. Instead of firing back on social media, the 48-year-old Live with Kelly and Ryan host put the rumors to rest on today's episode - and shared why she took the news so personally.

As a mother of two college students (Michael and Lola attend New York University), she understands how stressful applying to college can be for both parents and students. For Kelly, the worst part of this scandal is that it takes away from kids who have actual learning disabilities, like her 16-year-old son Joaquin who has dyslexia and dysgraphia.

Still, she made light of the situation (it's morning TV, after all) by joking about how her daughter would have reacted to the news: "Having said that, I'm so glad this scandal broke after my kids went through this because I know my daughter would have been like, 'Hey, can you call that man?'" FYI, her answer would be no.

Here's everything else you might be wondering about Kelly and Mark's rock-steady marriage and their three children.

February 1995: Kelly and Mark meet on the set of All My Children.

In 1990, Kelly was cast in her first major acting role as Hayley in the soap opera All My Children. Five years later, Mark landed the part of Mateo Santos, Hayley's husband. It didn't take long for Mark to fall in love with his on-screen wife. Kelly however, says she knew he was the one before the two even met in person. "I saw my husband in a photograph before I saw him [in real life],” she told Radio Andy host Bruce Bozzi in 2018. "I knew when I saw his photograph."

May 1996: Mark and Kelly elope to Last Vegas.

A little over a year after meeting, the two tied the knot. Following a brief breakup, Kelly and Mark got back together and immediately eloped, saying "I do" on May 1, 1996 in Las Vegas. Kelly reportedly wore a $200 dress to the ceremony. "I didn't buy it as a wedding dress. I just bought it because it was really pretty, and I wanted to buy something from the Barney's Warehouse sale," she said on Live!.

Related Video: Kelly Ripa Reveals Embarrassing NSFW Moment With Andy Cohen 

June 1997: Kelly gives birth to their first child.

Michael Joseph was born on June 2, 1997. Michael, now 21, is the spitting image of his father. So much so that he plays the younger version of Mark's character, Hiram Lodge, on the popular CW drama Riverdale. Before launching his acting career, Michael attended college at New York University in New York City.

June 2001: Daughter Lola Grace is born.

The couple's second child and only daughter, Lola Grace was born on June 16, 2001. Just before giving birth, Kelly's career skyrocketed after she replaced Kathie Lee Gifford on Live! With Regis and KathieLee on February 5, 2001.

Lola, now 17, keeps a much lower profile than her older brother and parents. In fact, Kelly often jokes about how her daughter doesn't want to be in family photos, especially anything that might be posted on social media. "As a general rule, I'm never allowed to post a photo of [Lola], ever," the 48-year-old told Jimmy Fallon back in 2017.

Lola graduated from high school in 2018, and although she and her mom looked at colleges all over America, she landed on NYU, just like her brother. According to Lola's Instagram, she's slated to graduate in 2023.

February 2003: Kelly gives birth to their youngest son.

Joaquin Antonio was born on February 24, 2003. Like his older brother, Joaquin looks VERY similar to his dad. And although he is now 16 years old, Kelly often refers to him as her "newborn."

Joaquin is currently in high school, and while we're sure he's starting to look at colleges, we can't help but wonder if he'll land at NYU as well?

May 2016: Kelly and Mark celebrate their 20th anniversary.

The couple celebrated the milestone with a trip to Turks and Caicos. Kelly revealed on Live! that she wore the dress she got married in, which she proudly declared "still fits!" She couldn't, however, pinpoint where Mark's wedding outfit was ...

Today: Still going strong.

Kelly co-hosts Live! With Kelly and Ryan with Ryan Seacrestevery morning, while Mark is busy with his role on Riverdale. Kelly's even landed a role on the show, playing Hiram's mistress. "It was such a treat [having Kelly on the show]. That's how I started my career, working with my wife. We haven't done it in such a long time, acting-wise. It was really good to have her on the show,"Mark told GoodHouskeeeping.com in a previous interview.

And outside of their professional lives, the couple obviously knows how to keep things hot and spicy, if their Instagram posts are any indication.

But regardless of what happens in life, Mark also told us that he and Kelly will always be there for each other. "We always have each other's backs. But we really don't dwell on the negative stuff."

('You Might Also Like',)

• 60+ Easy and Satisfying Avocado Recipes You Need to Try ASAP

• "I Used To Love Getting Naked — And Then I Got Pregnant"

• 45 Inspirational Books All Women Should Read in Their Lifetime