Jimmy Kimmel, Maria Shriver and More Stars React to Regis Philbin’s Death at Age 88

Donny Osmond

Donny Osmond shared a touching video performing for Regis and Kathie Lee many years ago.

“Remembering #RegisPhilbin today. He was a true class act and the king of improvising and making any situation work— regardless of what was happening around him,” the Masked Singer alum captioned his post. “During this performance on Live With Regis and Kathie Lee, I forgot the melody I wanted to sing and made a huge mistake on live television, so I did what Regis probably would have done … ‘Just go with it and make it work.'”

“What I can’t believe is what I said to him when he made a joke about my mistake,” Donny continued. “But knowing him, he probably would’ve said the same thing I did if he were the one performing. Thank you for the joy and laughs you brought to our families and homes through the years. We all miss you.”

Jimmy Fallon

“[Regis] could do everything,” Jimmy Fallon gushed during a tribute on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “He could sing. He was funny—he was really funny. He was an entertainer. He always was game to do a bit or dress up. He would do anything for a laugh. I loved him. My grandparents loved him. They introduced me. My mom and dad loved him.”

Seth Meyers

Seth Meyers remembered the America’s Got Talent alum during an episode of Late Night With Seth Meyers.

“Regis Philbin passed away this weekend — as great a TV host as we’re ever likely to see,” he shared. “I was lucky enough to meet Regis a few times, and it was a delight how he was exactly the same in person as he was on television. The most amazing thing about Regis wasn’t his contagious enthusiasm. It was how many years he maintained that contagious enthusiasm.”

Ryan Seacrest

“Today, we remember Regis Philbin and the incredible legacy he left with Live,” Ryan Seacrest penned on Instagram. “His gift of storytelling and humor made him a mentor, friend and family member to millions of people who watched every morning. It’s a huge honor to fill the seat he left behind. Regis, there will never be another like you.”

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell paid tribute to Regis — who was the original host of America’s Got Talent — during an emotional interview with People.

“What I learned about him was that he was an absolute total gentleman,” the American Idol star gushed. “Off-camera or on-camera, he always made you feel welcome. He really looked after you as a guest on his show. He was so fun and such a professional.”

Katie Couric

“I’m so sad to hear this news,” Katie Couric captioned a sweet throwback photo with Regis via Instagram. “Beloved television host Regis Philbin died on July 24th. He was 88 years old. Sending love and strength to Joy, his girls and his legions of friends and fans. We [love] you, Regis.”

Dolly Parton

“Regis was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever known, and one of the greatest hosts,” wrote Dolly Parton on July 27. “It was always a joy to be around him and I, like all of America, will always remember him fondly.”

Marie Osmond

Marie Osmond shared a tribute to Regis on Instagram, writing, “We have lost one of the greatest TV hosts of our lifetime. We will all miss you, Regis Philbin.”

Lisa Rinna

Lisa Rinna shared a loving tribute for Regis on Twitter. “The end of an era. A great friend and mentor. I will never forget your generosity of spirit sweet Regis,” the actress wrote. “You changed my life and I will never forget the lessons you taught me. You showed me how to fly. May you Rest In Peace with the angels.”

Kelly Ripa

“We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years. We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show. We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place,” she wrote on behalf of her self and her Live! cohost, Ryan Seacrest.

Kathie Lee Gifford

“There are no words to fully express the love I have for my precious friend, Regis. I simply adored him and every day with him was a gift. We spent 15 years together bantering and bickering and laughing ourselves silly—a tradition and a friendship we shared up to this very day. I smile knowing somewhere in Heaven, at this very moment, he’s making someone laugh. It brings me great comfort knowing that he had a personal relationship with his Lord that brought him great peace. I send all the love in my heart to Joy, to his children, to the rest of his family and to the innumerable people he touched over his legendary life. There has never been anyone like him. And there never will be,” his former Live! cohost wrote.