Kelly Ripa was absent from her US daytime talk show "Live with Kelly and Mark" after undergoing a gum graft, a painful dental procedure that temporarily left her unable to speak properly. Her husband and co-host, Mark Consuelos, addressed her absence on Monday's broadcast, explaining the surgery and passing on her greetings to viewers. Ripa is widely known for her chatty on-air style, making the enforced silence a notable departure from her usual persona and prompting media attention.

Consuelos confirmed on-air that Ripa had undergone the gum graft surgery, telling audiences "Kelly sends her love" in her absence. The procedure, which involves grafting tissue onto the gums, is typically followed by a recovery period during which speaking can be difficult or uncomfortable. No further details on her recovery timeline or return date to the show were given in the report.