Kathie Lee Gifford is saying goodbye to her “Today” show family.
Kathie Lee tearfully announced her departure on Tuesday’s show, telling fans that she would be exiting “Today” on her 11th anniversary on the show in April 2019.
It’s an exciting time for me and I’m thrilled about all the projects that are coming up, but it’s also hard,” she said, as she broke the “bittersweet” news. “I’ve been in this business for 120 years and never worked with a more beautiful group of people who just give, give, give every day.”
Kathie Lee first worked with Regis Philbin on the hit morning show, “Regis and Kathie Lee” and then 10 years ago she and Hoda Kotb took over the fourth hour of the “Today” show with “Kathie Lee & Hoda.”
Kathie Lee said she plans to stay on the show through her next anniversary, April 7, 2019, revealed that her friendship with Hoda is a big reason for their mutual success.
“We’re going to be friends for the rest of our lives. I’m grateful to God for you,” Kathie Lee shared.
Kathie Lee also revealed that she’s closer to her pal Regis than ever before. “I’m closer to him now after 15 years together.”
Hoda was mutually choked up over Kathie Lee’s big news and recalled what happened the first time they mey.
“The minute you stepped into my life, everything changed,” Hoda shared. “I remember thinking, how does one person step into your life and change it like that? And you did that for me.”
WATCH: Kathie Lee Gifford Opens Up About Love After The Death Of Husband Frank Gifford
Copyright © 2025 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.