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Kathie Lee Gifford Announces She's Leaving 'Today' Show After Nearly 11 Years

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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.

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“I have something to share with everybody,” Gifford began during the emotional and “bittersweet” announcement.

Are you surprised that Gifford is leaving the 'Today' show?

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.

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.

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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.

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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Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.
Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.

Sarah's experience as a successful working stay-at-home mom and business owner has given her the chance to write and research often. She stays up to date on the latest in entertainment and offers her views on celebrity stories based on her wide knowledge of the industry. Her success as a former preschool teacher and licensed daycare provider lend to her know-how on topics relating to parenting and childhood education.

Her thoughts on faith and family issues stem from home life and ministry work. Sarah takes time to attend workshops and classes annually that help her to improve and hone her writing craft. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature program and her writing has been acclaimed by ACFW and ECPA.
Education
Institute of Children's Literature, Art Institute of Phoenix (Advertising), University of California Irvine (Theater), Snow College (Early Childhood Education)
Location
Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Entertainment, Faith




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