Kathie Lee Gifford: Morning Shows Weren't My Dream Jobs

Kathie Lee Gifford, who co-hosted Live! with Regis Philbin for 15 years and later co-hosted the fourth hour of Today with Hoda Kotb, has stated that neither role was her lifelong ambition. She departed Live! in 2000 and has not watched the show since, focusing instead on her film and theater writing projects.

Gifford fondly recalls her time with Philbin, describing their 15 years together as 'the golden years' and highlighting their strong, amicable working relationship. She shared anecdotes about Philbin's playful teasing and their shared moments off-camera.

Eight years after leaving Live!, Gifford joined the Today show. She and Kotb developed a rapport, with Gifford preferring not to use ear pieces or cue cards, which she felt contributed to their show's success. She won four Emmys with the Today team but noted that winning was less significant to her than it was to Philbin.

In 2019, Gifford departed Today to focus on writing, including religious nonfiction. She clarifies that she has not retired, emphasizing her desire to return to her artistic roots. She maintains contact with Kotb, whom she describes as 'sunshine in a bottle.' Gifford asserts that she has always remained authentic on camera, integrating her spiritual and secular life.