Anyone who grew up watching Today with their parents is familiar with Kathie Lee Gifford.
When Gifford and Hoda Kotb appeared on the screen, we knew the morning was going to get better. For us Millennials and Gen Z kids, the news first thing in the morning was never what we wanted to see.
The two hosts drank a lot of wine and discussed subjects that we weren’t particularly knowledgeable about, but their laughter and smiles provided a welcome break from the news.
While some of us only know Gifford from Today, she has long dominated the television industry and has worked in the entertainment sector for years.
Gifford, the formerly adored Regis Philbin co-host, continues to enjoy a sizable fan base.
When Gifford’s devoted spouse passed away in 2015, her public life and career did suffer.
In 2019, she finally quit Today, and ever since then, she has been redefining her career in the entertainment sector.
What happened to Kathie Lee Gifford?
After her husband passed away, Kathie Lee Gifford’s life was drastically altered. As she was expanding the scope of her work, she notified NBC that she would be departing Today at the end of 2017.
But when Today host Matt Lauer was dismissed following charges of workplace sexual harassment, everything changed.
According to People, Lauer was let go in November 2017, which was very close to the time when Gifford was scheduled to depart.
“Some things were painful for us. And we had to adjust”, and then they said, ‘If we accommodate your schedule, will you consider staying?'” Gifford said about the timing of Lauer’s firing and her scheduled departure from Today.
Gifford added that while she wasn’t trying to “get out” of her job at Today, the network required the time to support her planned endeavors.
Yet after the necessary changes were made, she claimed she was no longer motivated to leave the show.
Throughout a 50-year career, there is no better place, said Gifford. “It all worked out, so I’m staying.” Till 2019, Gifford remained employed with Today.
