Ryan Seacrest is retiring from his red carpet duties after 14 years

It’s an end of an era over at E!. First Keeping Up With the Kardashians announced it is ending after its final season this year, and now Ryan Seacrest, eternal host and producer of that aforementioned series, has announced he’s retiring from his red-carpet duties on E! after nearly a decade-and-a-half on the job.

“After 14 years of hosting E!’s Live from the Red Carpet I’ve decided to move on to new adventures,” Seacrest shared on Instagram on February 4. “I’ll miss the whole crew that works so hard behind the scenes and of course my amazing partner Giuliana [Rancic].Thanks to everyone for watching all these years.”

The fact that Seacrest was able to continue with the gig for so long is impressive on its own due to the fact that he’s notoriously one of the busiest dudes in the biz. In addition to interviewing celebrities on the red carpet (despite becoming one himself), he has produced a slew of series like KUWTK, Shahs of Sunset and Jennifer Lopez’s TV show Shades of Blue. He also co-hosts and produces Live with Kelly and Ryan, he remains the host of American Idol, and he has a TV show in development with Kelly Ripa, Work Wife, based on their work relationship on the daytime talk series. And then there’s his syndicated radio show, which he also continues to pump out, his annual New Year’s Eve show, New Year's Rockin' Eve, and all of those Disney home singalongs he’s hosted.

In addition to all of his professional gigs, Seacrest also continues to give back through his charity, the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. It was just this last December that the foundation opened its 11^th in-hospital broadcast media centre in Orlando. The centre was designed to give patients and their families a safe and creative outlet during their stays.

In other words, if something had to go, the fact that Seacrest chose to cede his red carpet duties makes sense. Especially these days, with awards shows going virtual and breaking out new broadcasting rules and ideas in the wake of the pandemic. What’s less clear is who will replace Seacrest, and whether he will stay on as one of the show’s producers following his departure.

“E! has long enjoyed our relationship with Ryan over the years especially as co-host of E!’s signature red carpet series,” the network said in a statement following the news. “He has been instrumental in giving viewers a front row seat to some of Hollywood’s biggest nights. We are extremely appreciative of his many contributions and he will always be part of the E! family.”

Seacrest’s co-workers were quick to share their well-wishes following the announcement. Fellow E! host Jason Kennedy wrote, “It was a pleasure brother” in the comments, where Fashion Police personality Brad Goreski also added, “You are a legend Ryan!” Lucy Hale, Lisa Rinna, Chris Harrison and other celebrities also added their well-wishes, but it may have been Rancic’s reaction that likely had the most impact.

“Ryan, as sad as you know I am, I celebrate you today and all the great memories we’ve made on the E! red carpet these past 14 years,” she wrote. “You are truly one-of-a-kind...what an honour it’s been hosting alongside you. I sure will miss you on the red carpet, my friend.”

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