Let me tell you something, folks. Kathie Lee Gifford might not be making a return to the Today show, but that doesn’t mean she’s stepping out of the spotlight entirely. This powerhouse continues to offer advice and wisdom to her dear friend, Hoda Kotb, and trust me, Hoda’s all ears. These two have a bond that goes beyond just co-hosting a show—they’re like family.
A Journey of Two Decades
Now, let’s rewind for a moment. Kathie Lee, the vibrant and charismatic host of Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee, and Hoda Kotb, the bestselling author of I Really Needed This Today, have known each other for years. They first teamed up as co-hosts on Today With Kathie Lee and Hoda back in April 2008. For over a decade, these two lit up our mornings with their charm, wit, and heartfelt banter. But all good things must come to an end. On December 11, 2018, Kathie Lee made the announcement that she would be retiring from the show, and on April 5, 2019, she bid farewell to her loyal fans.
A New Chapter in Nashville
After saying goodbye to the morning news circuit, Kathie Lee decided to spread her wings and embrace a new chapter in life. She moved to Nashville in 2019, a city known for its vibrant music scene and southern charm. Down in Tennessee, Kathie Lee has been diving headfirst into her passions, including singing, songwriting, and acting. Her life there is nothing short of inspiring, and Hoda looks up to her like a mentor and a role model. According to a source, Hoda truly admires Kathie Lee’s journey and appreciates any advice she can offer, whether it’s about career moves or personal growth.
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Hoda’s Busy Life on the Morning Show
While Kathie Lee enjoys her new life in Nashville, Hoda remains a mainstay on the Today show. She’s a co-anchor of the NBC morning news program and co-hosts its fourth hour, which focuses on entertainment, alongside Jenna Bush Hager. Now, here’s the thing: Kathie Lee watches Hoda with admiration. She understands the challenges Hoda faces, from navigating the intense scrutiny of social media trolls to dealing with the high-pressure environment of the show. “Kathie Lee’s very sympathetic to how much Hoda goes through in that toxic world,” the source told Closer. And while Kathie Lee knows she wouldn’t be able to handle it all herself, she’s there for Hoda as a guiding force, offering support and guidance whenever needed.
These two don’t just talk shop, though. They dive deep into all aspects of life. With Hoda back on the dating scene after her split from Joel Schiffman, Kathie Lee has taken on the role of a confidante and even a matchmaker. The source reveals, “Kathie Lee could hook Hoda up with a lot of nice men. Nashville is teeming with them.” It seems Kathie Lee has her eye on some potential matches, and Hoda is all ears. After all, who better to trust than someone who truly knows her heart?
Hoda’s Heartache and Growth
Let’s take a moment to reflect on Hoda’s personal life. In January 2022, she made headlines when she announced her split from Joel Schiffman during a live episode of the Today show. It was a shock to fans, but Hoda handled it with grace and honesty. The couple had been together since 2013, though they didn’t go public until 2015. By 2016, they had moved in together, but as time went on, their paths began to diverge. On an episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show, Hoda opened up about the challenges they faced. “Joel is one of the best people I know,” she said. “And I feel like I’m a pretty great human being, but sometimes two great human beings together isn’t quite enough to make it work.”
Hoda explained that she and Joel were growing at different paces, and it became difficult for them to stay in sync. Despite their separation, they maintain a strong co-parenting relationship for the sake of their daughters, Haley and Hope. In fact, Joel was there to celebrate Hoda’s 60th birthday, standing proudly beside her and their girls in photos from the festivities.

As Hoda moves forward, she knows she can always count on Kathie Lee for support and guidance. These two have been through thick and thin together, and their bond is as strong as ever. Whether it’s career advice, relationship tips, or just a good old-fashioned heart-to-heart, Kathie Lee is there for Hoda every step of the way.

