Kelly Ripa Congratulates Michael Strahan on 'GMA' Job

— -- On today's "Live with Kelly & Michael," co-host Kelly Ripa returned from vacation to congratulate Michael Strahan on his new job at "Good Morning America."

"I am thrilled for you," Ripa said. "This is a tremendous opportunity and I couldn't be prouder of you, and everything we accomplished together."

The talk show host also addressed her recent absence from the "Live" stage, explaining that she took some time to gain perspective. Ripa thanked her fans for their kind words of support.

"The love and show of support throughout this time has been really overwhelming," Ripa said.

It was revealed early last week that the former New York Giants star would be leaving "Live" to join the morning show he's been featured on as a guest host over the past two years.

Strahan's shift from "Live" to "GMA" will happen in September.

Strahan, 44, joined "Live" in 2012 and has been alongside Ripa, 45, ever since.

She returned to the show this morning to a loud applause from fans in the audience, as Strahan welcomed back the "queen of morning television."

Strahan did address the move the day after it was announced, saying, "To all our viewers ... you still continued to give us your eyeballs and watch this show. Thank you guys ... I can't ask for better fans."

He added that he would still be at ABC and around to guest-host "Live" if the producers would have him back.

"I'm not going anywhere," he said.