‘Today Show’: Hoda Kotb’s Birthday Post to Pal Kathie Lee Gifford Has Fans Nostalgic for the On-Air Pair
Former Today Show co-host Kathie Lee Gifford left her seat next to Hoda Kotb in April 2019. Exiting the morning news program to pursue new projects, Gifford’s chemistry with Kotb gave viewers a daily glimpse of their genuine bond.
With both television personalities celebrating their birthdays in August, Kotb shared some throwback pics of herself with Gifford which had fans pining for the days of their on-air partnership.
Kathie Lee Gifford leaves ‘Today’
Making a move to Nashville after her exit from Today, Gifford had been looking to make a change since the death of her husband, ex-NFL Hall of Famer Frank Gifford, in August 2015. With her mom passing away shortly after her husband and her kids living in other states, Gifford began experiencing “crippling loneliness.”
“If you’re not careful, what you’ve lost in life can define you. It’s so much healthier to be defined by what you still have,” she said in 2019, according to Today.com. “I had to make a move to someplace physically, and I had to make emotional moves and spiritual moves. You gotta make new memories or the old ones are going to kill you.”
Now thriving in her new Southern home, the former Today star has a full plate of music and film projects. Rather than slowing down, Gifford is capitalizing on her newfound freedom.
“I did not retire from life,” the former Today star told she told D Magazine in October 2019. “I retired from a certain show. I’d had it with daytime television. I’ve been living it for 35 years, off and on. I was ready to manage my time completely on my own. I realized that for the first time in my life that I was completely free to do whatever I wanted to do.”
Hoda Kotb gets a birthday wish
Kotb celebrated her 56th birthday on August 9 enjoying quality time with her two daughters and fiancé Joel Schiffman. With restrictions still in place due to the coronavirus crisis, the Today star held a virtual party with her family members.
“I’m always excited to have time to hang with the family on my birthday, but this birthday is extra awesome,” Kotb said, according to Today.com. “I haven’t seen my mom in, boy, I can’t even remember when, probably January or February, I think. We see each other usually every month or two, and she is coming, so I’m so excited!”
Gifford posted a special message to her pal and former co-host.
“Love and blessings to my ‘sunshine in a bottle,'” she wrote on August 9, alongside a pic of herself laughing with Kotb.
Hoda Kotb’s turn to post
The former Today team share a birthday month, with Gifford’s falling on August 15. Kotb posted some throwback photos of the two on Instagram along with a shoutout to Gifford’s late husband whose birthday was on the same day.
“@kathielgifford its your bday… and I know you are laughing (in fact I am sure cuz I just hung up with you,” Kotb shared along with a carousel of images of the two, including one of Gifford and Frank. “I miss you.. i am sure frank is in heaven blowing out his candles too xo.”
The pics had fans clamoring for the days when Gifford and Kotb manned the Today desk together.
“i miss the two of you together on 3rd hour,” a fan commented. “Miss this great team,” a follower posted. “Miss y’all together so much!!” another wrote.
Some fans revealed how the NBC co-hosts brightened their mornings when Gifford and Kotb headed Today’s 3rd hour.
“You two have that special kind of magic that only few friends ever have the opportunity to experience. Always love watching the two of you together,” a follower posted. “Two lady friends including laughter was always so good for the rest of us to see through our morning TV,” another fan shared.
“Such a Great duo you all were . 👏 Many laughs and inspiration you brought to morning TV,” one commented. “Miss seeing you together.”
Many happy birthday wished to both Kotb and Gifford!
