Kathie Lee Gifford Announces She's Leaving 'Today' Show After Nearly 11 Years
Those of us who have been around for a while might remember her best as the smile that lit up “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee.”
But in more recent years, Kathie Lee Gifford has been the warm personality we have loved to watch on NBC’s “Today” show.
Gifford started on the show in 2008 with the intention of only staying on a year, she recalled during her shared hour with Hoda Kotb on Dec. 11.
After 11 years of light, love and so much laughter, the co-host has announced she’ll be leaving the show after the show’s anniversary on April 7, 2019.
Kathie Lee Gifford Stepping Away From ‘Today’ https://t.co/WCcKg2yxKs pic.twitter.com/RsjSazbk6s
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) December 11, 2018
“I have something to share with everybody,” Gifford began during the emotional and “bittersweet” announcement.
She and Kotb appeared to hold back tears as Gifford went on to announce her departure from the show. “The reason I stayed longer than a year is because I love everybody here so much,” she shared.
The wife, mom and TV personality has made a huge impact over the years. Gifford has never failed to be open about her faith as well, and often shares Bible verses on Twitter — just another thing about her that is truly inspiring.
By (Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) December 11, 2018
She explained that leaving the show will be hard, but also expressed her excitement regarding some upcoming projects.
But this isn’t the end of her relationship with Kotb — who Kathie Lee referred to as “a beautiful Egyptian goddess.” “We’re going to be friends for the rest of our lives. I’m grateful to God for you,” Gifford told her co-host and friend.
Deadline reported that Noah Oppenheim, chief of NBC News, released a statement regarding Gifford’s farewell announcement.
“Kathie Lee has cemented her status as one of the most enduring and endearing talents in morning television. In short — she is a legend,” Oppenheim wrote.
Kathie Lee Gifford tearfully announced that she will be leaving the Today Show after 11 years. https://t.co/cGhcLNZAUQ pic.twitter.com/xW4jDizYSy
— E! News (@enews) December 11, 2018
We’re excited to see what’s next for the author and actress. We wish her the best as she steps into this new season of life.
As for her replacement, he or she will have big shoes to fill. Gifford said whoever replaces her, whether from the inside or the outside, will be treated like family.
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