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Kathie Lee Gifford Gets Emotional About Not Working with Bestie Hoda Kotb Anymore

hoda kotb and kathie lee gifford

Kathie Lee Gifford's last day on the Today show isn't until April 7, but the longtime host is already getting emotional—especially when it comes to not working with bestie Hoda Kotb anymore.  

Entertainment Tonight was with the dynamic duo for their last interview together before Gifford's departure, and things got super sweet. 

"She's the best friend you can have," Gifford said of Kotb. "I consider Hoda one of my dearest forever." Gifford added that, after working with Regis Philbin for so many years, she was wary of getting a new work partner-in-crime. "My biggest thing was, How could I ever do television at the level I was able to do with Regis [Philbin] and sustain it?" Gifford said. And then, she met Hoda, "And I just fell in love [with working with her]." Aww.

For her part, Hoda sang her co-stars praises. "The day that I met Kathie, that was big line of demarcation," she shared. "I feel like everything changed and got better and got happier. I felt more fulfilled and I felt like I took risks that I never thought I could take." 

Gifford made the personal (and emotional) announcement that she would be departing Today after 11 years back in December, saying, "I have something to share with everybody, and it’s bittersweet as these things always are." At the time, she added, "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."

In a couple weeks, Jenna Bush Hager will take over Gifford's seat. In an interview with People magazine, Bush Hager said, "I’m so excited, I can’t believe it," adding, "It feels organic and it feels right. It just feels like the right time for me."

New goal: To find a work wife as loving and supportive as these two gals. 

Hoda Kotb's Heartwarming Story About Becoming a Mom Will Move You to Tears



sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

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