Kelly Ripa and Kathie Lee Gifford broadcast a tearful memorial to Regis Philbin.

On this morning's "Live with Kelly and Ryan," Kelly Ripa (opens in new tab) shared fond memories and powerful words about the "natural death" Saturday at age 88 of Regis Philbin (opens in new tab), who performed with Live for 10 years. (opens in new tab)

"Mark and I were lucky enough to have all of our children with us this past Saturday," Kelly told Ryan Seacrest (opens in new tab) on Monday's show." We were all together when we heard this terrible news"

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Holding back tears, Kelly continued: "We always know that certain things are inevitable as we get older, and passing away is one of them, but Regis was one of those people we all believed would somehow figure out how to avoid the inevitable. I don't think that was in the cards. I don't think that was in the cards."

Kelly continued, upon hearing of Regis' death, he was immediately joined by Regis' wife, Joy Philbin; daughters J.J., Joanna, and Amy (son Daniel died in 2014); and Regis' close friend and "Live with Regis and Kathie" from 1988 to 2000. Kathie Lee Gifford (opens in new tab), who was co-host of "Lee" from 1988 to 2000, said she thought of them.

"I just immediately thought of them and what it must feel like to know that somehow he could never find a way to live forever ......" And. Kelly explained.

One of the favorite things Kelly remembers about Regis was his relationship with his children, Laura, Michael, and Joaquin. She recalled that Regis bought Michael his first Dean Martin CD for Christmas when he was only three years old. She also recounted that when Regis babysat the children when they were young, he spoke to them "as if they were adults."

Kelly recalled that when Regis was helping Laura brush her teeth, he told her, "You are a classy young lady." It was then that Kelly realized what it meant to be one of his daughters: "Kelly understood then what it meant to be one of his daughters.

Over the weekend, Kelly and Ryan both posted touching messages on Instagram (open in new tab) mourning Regis: "I am beyond saddened to learn of Regis Philbin's passing. He was the ultimate class act and brought laughter and joy to our homes every day on 'LIVE' for over 23 years. We are fortunate to have had him as a mentor in our careers. We extend our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place."[17

Kelly's on-air tribute to Regis is one of several happening in the entertainment world today. After sharing kind words about her dear friend on social media, Kathie Lee spoke on Monday's "Today" show about the last time she saw Regis in January.

"We just had the best time. But after the Philbins left, I just thought, 'Lord, is this the last time I'm going to see my friend? ' And I thought, 'Yes,'" Kathy said on the show.

In any case, Kathie Lee was just "grateful" to have spent one last time with her dear friend.

"It was so precious because right after he died, when I talked to Joy the day I found out about it, she said, 'Kathi, he hadn't smiled in a long, long time. She said, 'I was so worried about him.'"

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Cathy continued: and [Joy] said, 'The day I came to lunch with you was the last day I heard him laugh. I was able to laugh again with one of the best friends I've ever had in my life. [Regis' funeral and burial will be held at his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. (Open in new tab) It is an honor that Kelly notes "meant the world to him."