Michael Strahan's last day alongside co-host Kelly Ripa on Disney/ABC's “Live With Kelly and Michael” was breezy and dry-eyed.

“We couldn't be prouder of you,” Ripa told Strahan during a farewell champagne toast at the end of their program Friday in New York. “You have given us so much joy in the mornings, from your smile to your sense of humor to your horrible French accent. … I look forward to watching you every morning and see what else you achieve over at ‘Good Morning America.'?”

Ripa presented Strahan, a former NFL star, with a bronzed pair of women's high heels that he wore as part of a costume for an on-air Halloween celebration. “Nobody rocks a size 16 stiletto better than you,” she said.

Ripa also presented Strahan with a framed “throwback” photo of him wearing short shorts in which an image of Ripa wearing the same outfit was added.

Strahan said his departure was “very bittersweet.” He thanked the production staff, the audience, the technical crew and, once the credits started rolling, Ripa. “Kelly, you are the best, I love you, baby,” he said giving her a friendly kiss.

Strahan was to leave the talk show in September, but his transition was accelerated after backstage drama with Ripa.

— Tribune Newspapers