Meet Linda Ripa: Author, Survivor, and Sister to Kelly Ripa

Kelly Ripa is a household name in daytime television, known for her vibrant personality and openness on Live with Kelly and Mark. However, not everyone knows about her older sister, Linda Ripa, who has lived a quieter yet inspiring life. Despite keeping a low profile, Linda’s journey—from actress and model to a car accident survivor and children’s book author—is one filled with resilience, transformation, and family love. Born into a close-knit New Jersey family, Linda Ripa’s life took a dramatic turn in 1999, and her story since then has become one of perseverance and purpose.

This article explores who Linda Ripa is, her relationship with Kelly Ripa, her personal challenges, creative ventures, and the strength of sisterhood that binds their family together.

Quick Bio Table: Linda Ripa

Growing Up Ripa: A Close-Knit New Jersey Family

Linda Ripa was born on December 3, 1968, to Joseph and Esther Ripa in Camden County, New Jersey, nearly two years before her younger sister Kelly arrived. Raised in a household that valued kindness, humility, and gratitude, the Ripa sisters experienced a loving and joyous upbringing. Their parents instilled in them a belief that success isn’t measured by profession, but by character—a philosophy both Linda and Kelly carry to this day.

As Kelly once reflected, “It’s all about trying your hardest to be a decent person every day and being grateful for what you have.”

Linda Ripa’s Early Career in Entertainment

Like her sister, Linda Ripa was drawn to the entertainment industry early in life. She pursued a career as a model and actress, working on various projects before eventually transitioning into a new phase of her creative journey. Her passion for storytelling and expression didn’t fade—it evolved. Her life in front of the camera helped prepare her for her next creative role as a children’s book author.

The Tragic Accident That Changed Everything

Linda’s life took a devastating turn in 1999, when she was seven months pregnant with her first child, Sergio. A drunk driver struck her vehicle at a stoplight in Philadelphia, leaving Linda with severe injuries, including a crushed pelvis. The trauma also affected her unborn baby, putting Sergio into a coma while still in the womb.

After weeks of uncertainty and multiple surgeries, Sergio miraculously recovered—a moment Linda refers to as her “miracle baby.” The emotional and physical toll was immense, and Linda had to relearn how to adjust to a new normal, often enduring chronic pain.

Kelly Ripa’s Unwavering Support

Throughout Linda’s recovery, Kelly Ripa remained by her sister’s side, offering both emotional and public support. Inspired by Linda’s experience, both sisters became involved with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Kelly even served as the chairwoman and spokesperson for “Tie One On for Safety”, encouraging sober driving awareness.

Their bond became stronger during this time, with Kelly drawing perspective and strength from Linda’s perseverance. “Every day that I feel like complaining, I think of my sister,” Kelly said. “It makes you appreciate what’s important in life.”

Motherhood and a New Purpose

Linda’s most cherished role is being a mother. She has three children—Sergio, Gianna, and Gigli—and always dreamed of becoming a mom. In her words: “Though I had a career, I had always wanted, from when I was a girl, to be a mommy.”

Despite the challenges of parenting with ongoing physical pain, Linda’s devotion to her children is unwavering. Her father, Joseph Ripa, frequently shares his admiration for his daughter and grandchildren on social media, reflecting the strong family bond that defines the Ripa household.

Becoming a Children’s Book Author

Linda’s creative spirit found new life when she wrote “The Ladybug Blues”, a children’s book inspired by a bedtime story she told to her son Sergio and nephew Michael (Kelly’s son). The book was deeply personal—“Ladybug” had been Linda’s nickname growing up—and it allowed her to channel her recovery into a new creative outlet.

Encouraged by Kelly and their parents, Linda published the book in 2002 and embarked on a national book tour. She described the experience as profoundly fulfilling: “It is so rewarding to go to a reading and have all these little faces light up when you read them a story.”

Finding Strength Through Pain

Even years after the accident, Linda continues to endure physical pain, but she has found strength in motherhood, writing, and faith. “I don’t suspect I will be without pain the rest of my life,” she once said. “But when I look at my son, I know I won’t give up.”

She also noted the unexpected silver linings: the accident forced her to slow down, reassess, and find deeper meaning in her everyday life.

A Sisterly Bond That Stands the Test of Time

Linda and Kelly Ripa share a relationship built on mutual respect, love, and shared experiences. While Kelly thrives in the public spotlight, she never forgets the woman who helped shape her strength. Linda, in turn, has remained supportive, occasionally appearing at events or interviews when it aligns with her values and story.

Kelly often celebrates her sister publicly—whether through social media birthday tributes or championing her book—to shine light on Linda’s strength and accomplishments.

Conclusion

Though she chooses a quieter life, Linda Ripa’s journey is deeply moving and incredibly inspiring. From a rising model to a survivor of a life-altering car crash, and now a loving mother and published author, Linda’s story is one of resilience, family love, and purpose. Her close relationship with Kelly Ripa continues to show how powerful sisterhood can be—especially in the face of adversity.

(FAQs)

1. Who is Linda Ripa?
Linda Ripa is the older sister of TV host Kelly Ripa. She is an author, former actress, and car accident survivor.

2. What happened to Linda Ripa?
In 1999, Linda was severely injured in a car accident while seven months pregnant. The accident caused lasting physical injuries but also resulted in the miraculous survival of her son.

3. How many children does Linda Ripa have?
Linda has three children: Sergio, Gianna, and Gigli.

4. What book did Linda Ripa write?
She wrote a children’s book titled The Ladybug Blues, published in 2002.

5. What is Linda Ripa’s relationship with Kelly Ripa like?
They share a strong, loving bond. Kelly has always publicly supported Linda through personal challenges and creative pursuits.