R&B singer Ashanti is putting big respect on late Hollywood star Regis Philbin’s name. The popular crooner went online this week to remember just how much of a connection she had with the unforgettable TV personality.
Ashanti Remembers Regis Philbin
Over the weekend, Ashanti went to her Instagram page to show Philbin some unexpected love. She shared throwback footage of herself on the “Regis & Kelly Show” and detailed her admiration for him.
“I must have done Regis and Kelly a million times…always a pleasure… No one says my name with as much pizzazz, umph and sauce as Regis ? He was a huge yankees fan… and I remember years ago when he had heart surgery I sent him a huge Yankees basket full of yankee memorabilia.. and he sent me the sweetest thank you note. To one of warmest, funniest, greatest personalities in talk show history!!! Rest in peace,The Legendary Regis❤️❤️❤️” -Ashanti’s Instagram
High-Key Details
Last Sunday, rap veteran Nas went to his Instagram page with some throwback Regis gold. Jones shared a vintage clip of Philbin reciting one of his classic hip-hop lines referencing the “Regis & Kathy Lee” show.
“Haha who wants to be a millionaire, but my name ain’t Regis. What a great brother. RIP King Regis !!!” -Nas’ Instagram
Fellow New York rapper Ghostface Killah also shared an epic Regis moment. The Wu-Tang member posted up a shout-out to Philbin memory with a pic of himself alongside Regis and fellow rap sidekick Raekwon.
“R.I.P Regis ……. Good Dude” -Ghostface Killah’s Instagram
“Farewell GOOD FRIEND… MR. REGiS was a great guy and a deep philosopher. He will be missed !! #R.I.P #RegisPhilbin #aclassicflickreppintheboys” -Raekwon’s Instagram
Wait, There’s More
According to reports, Regis died last weekend less than a couple years shy of turning 90. His family released a statement confirming his death.
The longtime television host died on July 24, PEOPLE confirms. “We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday,” his family shares with PEOPLE in an exclusive statement on Saturday. “His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss,” the Philbin family says. (People)
Before You Go
Back in 2014, Nas had a chance to meet Regis face-to-face. They both appeared on Fox Sports’ “Crowd Goes Wild” to dish on hip-hop and local New York teams.