Kathie Lee Gifford Talks New Life In The Suburbs: ‘There’s A Culture Of Kindness In The South’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Kathie Lee Gifford recently shared her feelings on her departure from daytime television, as well as her move to a smaller community.
Gifford was once the host of LIVE WITH REGIS AND KATHIE LEE, as well as the TODAY show, but she stepped away from daytime television in 2019.
While Gifford calls her time co-hosting with Regis Philbin “one of the greatest experiences of my life,” she doesn’t plan on returning to TV anytime soon.
When asked if she missed being on TV, Gifford quickly replied, “Not for one second.”
In addition to leaving daytime television behind, Gifford also moved to Nashville, where she enjoys a much quieter life.
“There’s a culture of kindness here in the South. It’s just extraordinary,” she explained “And I needed it. I needed it.”
Gifford continued, “My soul was dying a slow death in the Northeast for the last 20 years or so, watching the culture change as much as it has and not just in New York, but LA, Seattle, beautiful San Francisco, some of these huge, beautiful cities. I don’t even recognize them anymore.”
“I live in the Nashville area. There’s a lot of beautiful suburbs here,” she went on. “I wouldn’t want to live in the city. It’s just not my thing. I like to go there for whatever reason. I go. But no, I live in the suburbs where church bells ring and people let you be who you are. And they let you worship the way you want to worship and vote the way you want to vote. And they, you know, they just let you be.”
Gifford might not be on TV anymore, but she continues to work on projects like writing books, producing movies, and pursuing a music career. Movieguide® previously reported:
Veteran actress, television host, and author Kathie Lee Gifford has had a successful career in entertainment. But the 67-year-old feels like the future is bright as she solidifies her entertaining prowess with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“I am finally doing what I was born to do,” Gifford told Variety in a recent interview. “There’s a happiness in me now, just when so many other people are retiring and doing whatever they’ve always longed to do. I never stopped doing what I was born to do, but now I have the freedom to totally and completely pursue it.”
Gifford is accustomed to moving on from successful jobs, such as her 15-year run as host on LIVE and her 11 years as the daytime host of TODAY, in pursuit of her dreams.
“A lot of people asked, ‘Why are you leaving your dream job?’” Gifford explained. “They were great jobs and I was able to help so many people through the years because of those jobs. But it was never my dream job when I was growing up. There were no talk-show hosts — it didn’t exist. My dream was to become an actress and a singer and a writer.”
Gifford left her job at TODAY two years ago and is now a movie producer, author, and pursuing her career in the music industry.
“I feel like Waldo from those ‘Where’s Waldo’ books. Waldo’s everywhere…” Gifford said. “What am I doing here? So many people can do so many more things than they believe they can. But they’re paralyzed with fear of failure, I suppose.”
“Kathie is somebody who’s always bubbling with ideas,” former co-host Hoda Kotb said. “She is always thinking about the next project. She put on a Broadway show, she puts out albums, she does a television show, she did a movie. She says something is going to happen and she wills it into existence.”
Despite Giffords success and colorful career, faith remains at the center of her life. Gifford’s life shows that she puts her faith in God and not her job, whether it’s singing or hosting.
Gifford said that forgiveness had played a role in her marriage and her interactions with others in the industry.
Gifford now uses her story to encourage others to work hard and not fear failure.
“I never dreamed I would have the kind of success I’ve enjoyed. I was never the prettiest woman or girl in any casting call. Ever. And I never will be, especially now,”
Gifford said. “I was never the best actress, and yet I never stopped working. I was certainly never the best singer. But I was a really good singer and I worked really hard at it. I still do. I just want to encourage people to be the best they can be. It’s never too late to try.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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