Kathie Lee Gifford Is Leaving The 'Today' Show After More Than A Decade
The big news was announced on Tuesday morning's show.
Kathie Lee Gifford has spent the last decade as a fixture on the Today show and during this morning's broadcast she announced the big news that she'll be moving on in 2019.
She announced during the show's fourth hour: “I have something to share with everybody, and it’s bittersweet as these things always are. It’s an exciting time for me, and I’m thrilled about all the projects that are coming up. But it’s also hard … because I love everybody here so much.
I’ve been in this business 120 years and never worked with a more beautiful group of people who just give, give, give, every day. Four hours of live television every day, five days a week. We have fun and we laugh and we support one another and we know each other’s kids names and we know when someone’s having a colonoscopy. We know everything! We do life together.”
As expected, she had nothing but amazing things to say about her co-host Hoda Kotb, calling her a "beautiful Egyptian goddess" and thanking her for their wonderful years together. Hoda even cried!
NBC News president Noah Oppenheim released a memo about Kathie's exit today as well: “It is with mixed emotions that I share the news Kathie Lee Gifford has decided it’s time to leave TODAY, " it read.
He continued: “As we all know, Kathie Lee’s plate has been overflowing lately with film, music and book projects, and after giving us eleven extraordinary years, she’s decided to focus her attention full-time on those other creative endeavors.
When we first launched this incredible hour, no one could have predicted the lightning (or rather, wine) in a bottle that is Hoda & Kathie Lee. Whether in studio or on one of their many road trips, they have delighted our audience with their distinct brand of fun, friendship and adventure. During that time, Kathie Lee has cemented her status as one of the most enduring and endearing talents in morning television. In short — she is a legend."
He added: "As Kathie Lee told me today: ‘In 2008, I joined the TODAY Show family intending to spend one year. But something unexpected happened along the way: I fell in love with a beautiful, talented, extraordinary Egyptian goddess named Hoda, and an amazing group of individuals who work tirelessly and joyfully at their jobs, many of them starting at midnight, creating an unprecedented four hours of live television. I stayed year after year making a million memories with people I will never forget. I leave TODAY with a grateful heart but I’m truly excited for this new creative season in my life. Many thanks to all the wonderful people who made the years fly by.’"
Gifford isn't going anywhere for the time being, though. You'll still be able to see her on Today for the next few months, as she's planning to leave the show on her 11th anniversary, April 7, 2019.
