At the age of 65, Kathie Lee Gifford is stepping into a brand-new chapter of her life. On December 11, she made the bold decision to step down from the Today show, marking a pivotal moment in her career. But for Kathie Lee, it's not about leaving behind what she's built—it's about embracing what's next. "She wants to now, at this point in her life, be responsible only for herself, not her family or Today," an insider told Closer Weekly. This moment isn't just a transition—it's a transformation. "This is a pivotal time for her," the source added, emphasizing the weight and significance of her decision.
For Kathie Lee, the courage to start anew comes from a deep-rooted faith. She believes wholeheartedly in Jesus Christ, and this unwavering faith has shaped her character and guided her choices. "Nerves have never been a part of Kathie Lee’s character," the source explained, highlighting her calm and confident demeanor. It's this faith that empowers her to take the leap into the unknown with grace and optimism.
Lessons from a Beloved Husband
But Kathie Lee's journey isn't just about faith—it's also about the lessons she learned from her late husband, Frank Gifford. Frank was more than just her partner; he was her mentor and supporter. "Frank encouraged her, while he was here and well, to do what was in her heart," the insider revealed. And at the core of Kathie Lee's heart lies her passion for art. "Kathie Lee is an artist in her heart," the source explained. Whether it's through music, writing, or other creative pursuits, her artistic spirit is ready to shine in this next chapter.
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Why Now?
The truth is, Kathie Lee has been ready for this change for a long time. "Everyone knew that she wanted to leave for at least two or three years, longer even," the source told Closer. But her love for her co-host, Hoda Kotb, and the crew kept her anchored to the show. Even after announcing her departure, Kathie Lee radiated confidence in her decision. "I feel so relieved," she said on air, expressing the sense of liberation that came with embracing her next adventure. "I’ve known it was coming for a long, long time," she added, revealing the clarity and purpose behind her choice.

As a mother of two, Kathie Lee is channeling this next chapter into exciting new projects. "She wants a shot at having a successful faith-based musical on Broadway," the insider revealed. Her ambitions don't stop there—she's eager to explore TV cameos, faith-based indie films, and even take on roles as an actor, writer, producer, and director. It's clear that Kathie Lee isn't just stepping away from the spotlight—she's stepping into it in a whole new way. We can't wait to see what she accomplishes next!
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