Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb have both shared big events through the past year, and tomorrow, the hosts of the “Today” show’s fourth hour will share a meaningful milestone that few in television ever reach—a decade together. Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb have been hilariously lampooned for years as they reveled in their own morning “happy hour,” and neither lady makes any apologies for putting laughter and friendship first in their programming.
From this morning’s April 5 congratulations from former First Lady Laura Bush to several highlights with favorite guest, Ricky Gervais, the flow of gratitude to both hosts for putting some happiness into morning routines has been nonstop.
Not everything that has bonded Kathie Lee Gifford to Hoda has been joyful and wondrous, and both sat down with "Extra" on April 4 to delve into how their most painful times have truly proved their bond.
Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford have spread their creative wings in recent months, through books and music. Kathie Lee Gifford is definitely making another transition, of the geographic variety. The showbusiness veteran is trying once more to part with the Key Largo, FL property she purchased with late husband Frank Gifford. More and more of her creative pursuits have taken her to Nashville. Will Music City become home?
The prompting that paid off
The show marking 10 years together for Kathie Lee and Hoda was filmed Wednesday, April 4, and will air on April 6.
Fortunate fans who sent in playful and loving videos will be among the guests for the festivities.
Kathie Lee Gifford was not coming to auditions or even raising her hand to return to television after her time as co-host alongside Regis Philbin. It took prompting from Frank Gifford, who encouraged her to “just try it, maybe two or three months,” to see how the collaboration would work.
Hoda Kotb recalled her own conversation with Frank, during which he reminded, “This will only work if you completely trust each other, and Kathie Lee is the most trustworthy person you will ever know.” Not only did the giggling partnership click with fans, soon the natural, free-styling chemistry between the two hosts transformed into deep friendship.
Hoda was celebrating her birthday in New Orleans when news came of Frank Gifford's passing in 2015, and she rushed back to be with her friend, Kathie Lee, who told her not to interrupt her plans. When Hoda found Kathie Lee, she was alone in her backyard. She turned, seeing Kotb, and said, “I'm so glad you don't listen.” As it turns out, the quality that Hoda most admires in her co-host is her ability to listen. Kathie Lee Gifford explained that her friendship with the woman who she refers to as “the Egyptian goddess” “means everything.”
In case anyone wonders, Hoda Kotb insists she has no plans to leave her fourth-hour seat or her sidekick who is sometimes guilty of sharing too much information.
The ladies have no plans to give up their beverages of choice or the descending tissue box, either.
Buyers, please
Kathie Lee Gifford is looking for buyers for the beautiful property she and Frank Gifford purchased brand new in 1998. The eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion is filled with wrought iron and tile accents as part of being “classically designed, with subtle, French-inspired heritage.” The decor makes sense since Kathie Lee was born in Paris, and the lavish home has an adjacent 44 acres along with more than 11,400 feet of square footage. Kathie Lee tried last summer to sell and is seeking a buyer again, at $10.5 million. The host is holding onto her Connecticut home base.
Kathie Lee related this week how men who are widowed often marry again very soon, while women who become widows frequently form “tribes” together, going to dinner, theater, church, and other outings in groups.
She also mentioned that this age group of women is an underserved demographic in film entertainment. “We don't want to see things blow up,” she exclaimed, adding, “We don't want to see dinosaurs because we are dinosaurs!”
Whatever the feelings regarding her comparison, Gifford described that her film project, for which she debuted her third hit song of the year, “Love Me to Death” on iTunes, was intended to appeal to this population, and reflect more tradition while still being relevant to today. More music and details are forthcoming on “Today.”
Almost all of Kathie Lee Gifford’s free time has been spent in Nashville as the endeavor wraps. While Hoda Kotb cherishes time with toddling Haley Joy, her best friend may be looking for a simple pad near Printer’s Alley.
