Oh, the news we didn’t want to hear! Kathie Lee Gifford has decided to step away from Today after an incredible 11 years on the show. The announcement came on the Tuesday, Dec. 11 episode, where she shared the bittersweet moment alongside her beloved co-host, Hoda Kotb. It’s like losing a member of the family, right?
Listen, here's what went down: Kathie Lee opened up about her decision, saying, “I have something to share with everyone. It’s bittersweet, as these things always are, but I’ve been here almost 11 years. I originally thought I’d stay just one year. But then something magical happened—I fell in love with a beautiful Egyptian goddess, Hoda Kotb. On our 11th anniversary, I’ll be leaving the Today show. This is such an exciting chapter for me because of the projects coming up, but it’s also hard because the reason I stayed longer than a year is because I adore everyone here. I’ve been in this business for what feels like forever, and I’ve never worked with a more amazing group of people who give so much every single day, producing four hours of live TV five days a week. It’s been an incredible journey."
View this post on Instagram“It’s bittersweet, as these things always are…” @kathielgifford announces she will be leaving TODAY on her 11th anniversary in April 2019. Swipe to see her full announcement.
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Kathie Lee went on to say, “We’ve laughed together, supported each other through thick and thin, and we know each other’s kids' names. We know when someone’s having a colonoscopy—we know everything! We’ve lived life together, and nobody embodies that more than my Hoda. This will be similar to my time with Regis Philbin. I’m closer to him now than I ever was after 15 years together. Sharing life together changes you forever. Hoda, you started out as just ‘Hoda,’ but now you’re Hoda mama. You’re family.”
Emotional Goodbyes from Hoda and Kathie Lee
Both Hoda and Kathie Lee couldn’t hold back their tears after the announcement. The two took a moment to reflect on the past decade, and Hoda expressed her gratitude for everything Kathie Lee has brought into her life. It was like watching two sisters part ways—it was emotional, raw, and heartfelt. Honestly, we couldn’t help but shed a tear or two ourselves.
NBC's Tribute to Kathie Lee
NBC News chief Noah Oppenheim also chimed in with a touching note. He shared, “It’s with mixed emotions that I announce Kathie Lee Gifford has decided it’s time to leave Today. Kathie Lee’s plate has been overflowing lately with film, music, and book projects, and after giving us eleven extraordinary years, she’s decided to focus her attention on these other creative pursuits.”
Oppenheim continued, “When we first launched this incredible hour, no one could have predicted the magic that is Hoda & Kathie Lee. Whether in the studio or on one of their many road trips, they’ve delighted audiences with their unique brand of fun, friendship, and adventure. Over the years, Kathie Lee has cemented her status as one of the most enduring and endearing talents in morning television. Simply put—she’s a legend.”
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Oppenheim quoted Jimmy Fallon, who earlier this year summed it up perfectly by channeling Kenny Rogers: “Through the years, Kathie Lee has never let us down. She’s turned our lives around and brought some of the sweetest days we’ve found.”
Oppenheim shared Kathie Lee’s heartfelt words: “In 2008, I joined the Today show family intending to spend just one year. But something unexpected happened along the way—I fell in love with a beautiful, talented, extraordinary Egyptian goddess named Hoda, and an amazing group of individuals who work tirelessly and joyfully, starting at midnight, to create an unprecedented four hours of live television. I stayed year after year, making a million memories with people I’ll never forget. I leave Today with a grateful heart, but I’m truly excited for this new creative season in my life. Many thanks to all the wonderful people who made the years fly by.”
The Future After 'Today'
Oppenheim concluded, “Kathie Lee is generously staying with us through the show’s next anniversary, April 7, 2019. We will have much more to share about our plans for that hour, which will, of course, continue to include Hoda. Please join me in congratulating Kathie Lee on an amazing run at Today. We look forward to celebrating her in the months to come.”
Kathie Lee’s departure comes after rumors surfaced that she was at risk of being let go. A source claimed, “Executives at Today have quietly been looking for a replacement for Kathie Lee. NBC wants younger viewers, and at 65, she’s long in the tooth. They want someone who can be a female counterpart to Craig Melvin, who isn’t even 40 yet.” But Kathie Lee isn’t going quietly—she
