Michael Strahan‘s four-year run on Live! With Kelly and Michael ended rather unceremoniously Friday. Unlike the sendoffs given to Live!‘s Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford in years past, Strahan’s farewell episode was a much quieter affair—no doubt a result of the controversy surrounding his exit. Strahan preferred the “simple and low-key” approach, though. As a source told E! News earlier this week, “He doesn’t need hoopla. He appreciates everyone’s efforts but it’s not something he expects or needs.” And, as Strahan himself confirmed on Friday’s show, “I don’t like a big to-do about it.”

Tensions have been running especially high since Apr. 19, when Strahan’s co-host, Kelly Ripa, first learned that executives planned to transfer him to ABC’s Good Morning America full-time this fall.

A “livid” Ripa skipped work Apr. 20, which sent producers scrambling to fill her seat. When she returned Apr. 26, Ripa insisted the dispute was about “respect in the workplace” and promised viewers she didn’t blame Strahan. “I am thrilled for you,” she said.

Intentional or not, the co-hosts both wore black on Friday’s show; some Twitter users said it looked like they were attending a funeral. “Don’t take this as a bad sign: It’s Friday the 13th,” Ripa said. Strahan explained that 13 “is a lucky number” for him and joked about his tall stature. “I am happy,” he said. “I’m not six feet under; I’m six-foot-five above the ground.”

David M. Russell, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV Distribution

“It is your final day. We all came today to celebrate you,” Ripa continued, promising more tributes to come later in the show. Then, she joked, “We want to remind the audience that there is a run on discounted merchandise.” Strahan riffed off his co-host, saying, “They’re collector’s items now!”

Jokes aside, Strahan described his exit as “bittersweet.”

“This is a moment that I didn’t anticipate…at least at this point, but I’m going to enjoy it. I’m not dying. I’m still in the family,” he said. “And I’m going to come back if I’m ever asked to co-host.”

“You can fill in for me,” Ripa said. “I start vacation in a couple of weeks!” She was kidding, of course, but Strahan still declined. “I don’t know about that,” he said, joking that it might be “too soon.”

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The co-hosts went on to review some of Strahan’s best moments, but the episode was not entirely dedicated to his time on the show. “Nothing makes us happier than watching flashbacks of ourselves,” Ripa said at one point. Later on, they interviewed The Nice Guys actor Matt Bomer and New York Knicks player Carmelo Anthony.

Before his interview began, Bomer thanked Strahan for “helping the great unrequited love of my life, Kelly Ripa, host this show so well.” He added, “Whether you’re here looking all dapper or in a gold lamé thong in Magic Mike, you always conduct yourself with great intelligence and grace and generosity, and I wish you all the best.”

Ten minutes before the show ended, Strahan and Ripa watched a montage of their favorite Live! moments. “A lot has happened. A lot has happened,” Strahan reiterated. Then, he gave Ripa a hug and a kiss. When the show returned from commercial break, only Strahan and Ripa were left on stage. “As a going away present, we decided to commemorate some of your biggest Halloween achievements by preserving a pair of actual heels you wore on the show by having them bronzed!” Ripa said. Strahan couldn’t believe it, saying, “Are you real? Seriously?” Ripa was especially pleased with the gift, telling him, “Nobody rocks a size 16 stiletto better than you!