Will Kathie Lee Gifford Be The New Co-Host On ‘Today’?
Kathie Lee Gifford is known for working with a variety of television shows over the years, including Today. Recently, some fans have been wondering if she could make her return to the show. The star herself has also recently talked about the idea.
Kathie Lee Gifford Spent Eleven Years Working Alongside Hoda Kotb On Today
Many were introduced to Gifford as she shared co-hosting duties with Regis Philbin from 1985 to 2000 on Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee. Following this, Gifford became known for working with Hoda Kotb on Today‘s fourth hour.
Gifford spent eleven years hosting alongside Kotb, with her leaving in April 2019. Following this, Jenna Bush Hager would take over her role on the show.
Kotb would end up leaving the show herself back in 2024, with her final episode being January 10, 2025. Since then, she has begun working on a new wellness company, Joy 101. Following this, fans have been wondering who would take on her role as Hager’s co-host.
In fact, some fans even shared speculation that Gifford herself could return to the show as her former co-star’s successor. Gifford herself recently weighed in on the idea.
Speaking with Us Weekly, Gifford mentioned that she still often appeared on the show even after her initial departure. As she shared, however, there’s a practical reason for this. She noted, “I’ve been back as a guest often because I’ve always got a new book out or a new movie or a new something that I’m working on.”
Gifford continued, “I still have great friends there. A lot of the crew are still the same. And I miss Hoda so, so much.”
Ultimately, however, there is one thing that is keeping Gifford from wanting to rejoin the show. As she explained, “I live in Tennessee most of the time now. I have for about seven years already.”
During The Conversation, Gifford Also Shared A Few Kind Words For Kotb
Gifford spoke with the publication on June 4, 2025. This was shortly before she presented the City of Hope Spirit of Life Award to her former Today co-worker, Jill Martin.
During the conversation, Gifford also shared some insight into Kotb. She noted, “Hoda was never a different person off-camera than she was on. I freed her up a little bit to be naughty because naughty makes better television than journalistic integrity. We were naughty.”
However, the two remain in touch, and Gifford shared that she was “happy” for her. She explained, “I’m so happy for her, so happy for her. In our family, we don’t say proud because there’s a scripture that says, ‘Pride comes before the fall.’ And we know we’re one decision away from disaster. So we say ‘groud,’ meaning grateful to God for all the wonderful things that are happening to you, but totally aware that you could screw it up at any time.”
Did you watch Kathie Lee Gifford on Today? Who do you think should be Jenna Bush Hager’s new permanent co-host on the show? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
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