Ryan Seacrest Has a New Mindset for 2026 Following Dad’s Death (Excl)

Ryan Seacrest shifted his mindset following the October death of his father, Gary Seacrest — and the TV host is bringing a new outlook on life into the new year.

“Losing someone so close to you — my dad, my best friend — you realize that life is short,” Ryan, 51, told Us Weekly exclusively while promoting Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest in New York City on Tuesday, December 30. “You’ve got to make the most of it every day.”

He added, “Some of the little things that we let bother us are not important in the grand scheme. That resonated with me.”

Ryan announced in October that his father, Gary, died after a year-long prostate cancer battle. Earlier this month, the Wheel of Fortune host remembered his dad in a heartfelt tribute amid the holiday season.

“First Christmas without Dad, but holding him close in all the ways we can,” Ryan captioned an Instagram post on Thursday, December 25. “We miss you. Merry Heavenly Christmas.”

Ryan will be wrapping up this holiday season alongside Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest cohost Rita Ora, who also has some big plans for 2026.

“I’m just really challenging myself creatively,” Ora, 35, told Us exclusively on Tuesday. “I’m going in with a new perspective, really trying to see what comes out that surprises people. I’m very inspired.”

On a more immediate front, both Ryan and Ora are just looking for ways to stay warm while hosting ABC’s New Year’s Eve celebration in NYC on Wednesday, December 31.

“I’m frozen,” Ora joked. “I mean, I can’t pretend anymore.”

The singer will be beating the cold on Wednesday with a few wardrobe changes.

“It’s live TV, so I’m just gonna have to make it work,” Ora teased. “It’s gonna be more jacket changes.”

Ryan, meanwhile, will be staying suave in his signature tuxedo.

“It will be the same thing all night,” he said. “I can guarantee you that.”

Aside from Ryan and Ora, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest viewers can gear up to see Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town and Maren Morris taking the stage in NYC. Diana Ross will also take the stage in Times Square for a headlining performance.

Chance the Rapper will be hosting the Chicago countdown as well, with Roselyn Sanchez hosting from Puerto Rico. The dynamic duo of Julianne Hough and Rob Gronkowski will be celebrating the new year live from Las Vegas as well.

“They’re fantastic. Gronk is hysterical, and you don’t know what he’s gonna do,” Ryan teased. “Julianne is a phenomenal host. She can do everything. So, we’re excited to have them.”

The west coast live stream will feature performances from The All-American Rejects, Demi Lovato, Charlie Puth, T.I., and Wyclef Jean, Jessie Murph, Jordan Davis, Pitbull joined by Lil Jon and Filmore, Mariah Carey, Madison Beer, New Kids on the Block and more.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 will air live on ABC Wednesday, December 31, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The show will stream the next day on Hulu.