As the search for Jenna Bush Hager’s new cohost continues following Hoda Kotb’s departure, one Today show alum isn’t interested in the gig.
“I’ve been back as a guest often because I’ve always got a new book out or a new movie or a new something that I’m working on,” Kathie Lee Gifford exclusively told Us Weekly before presenting Jill Martin with the City of Hope Spirit of Life Award on Tuesday, June 4. “I still have great friends there. A lot of the crew are still the same. And I miss Hoda so, so much. [But] I live in Tennessee most of the time now. I have for about seven years already.”
Gifford, 71, left the Today show in April 2019 after cohosting the fourth hour with Kotb, 60, for 11 years.
Bush Hager, 43, took over the role and is now on the hunt for a permanent cohost after Kotb left in January to pursue other opportunities, including her Joy 101 wellness app.
“Hoda was never a different person off-camera than she was on,” Gifford said about her longtime friend. “I freed her up a little bit to be naughty because naughty makes better television than journalistic integrity. We were naughty.”
All jokes aside, Gifford is incredibly proud of her former coworker for taking a leap and trying something new.
The pair have remained in touch and recently reunited in Los Angeles to celebrate their titles of Q50 ambassadors with the shopping network QVC.
“I’m so happy for her, so happy for her,” Gifford said about Kotb. “In our family, we don’t say proud because there’s a scripture that says, ‘Pride comes before the fall.’ And we know we’re one decision away from disaster. So we say ‘groud,’ meaning grateful to God for all the wonderful things that are happening to you, but totally aware that you could screw it up at any time.”
Gifford is also amazed at Martin, 49. In July 2023, the Today show lifestyle contributor revealed she had been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer after a genetic test showed a BRCA2 mutation.
She shared her health battle — which included a double mastectomy, aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment — on Today. She is now considered cancer-free.
“I have very few heroes in my life,” Gifford shared with Us at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. “I’ve met too many people who let you down, and Jill will never be one of them.”
Before accepting the Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope’s East End Chapter, Martin expressed gratitude for her family and close circle of girlfriends who offered prayer, support and encouragement during the most difficult times of her cancer battle.
While Martin vows to continue raising awareness on testing and research, she also is choosing joy.
“Every day, I just choose to crush it,” Martin told Us. “It’s an everyday decision. It’s not like I’m floating. … It’s just so beautiful and magical [to be honored].”
