kathie lee gifford he admitted that city life was tearing his soul apart and felt like he was “slowly dying” before seeking a quieter, more fulfilling lifestyle in the country after living in bustling metropolitan areas for decades.
Former co-host of “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee” he described delight in the serene sounds of “church bells” ringing throughout the countryside and his delight in the friendly camaraderie of the neighborhood, a stark contrast to what he has seen become his favorite cities.
“There’s a culture of kindness here in the South. It’s just extraordinary,” he exclusively told Fox News Digital. “And I needed it. I needed it.
“My soul was slowly dying in the Northeast for the last 20 years or so, seeing the culture change as much as it has and not just in New York, but Los Angeles, Seattle, beautiful San Francisco, some of these Huge, beautiful cities, I don’t even recognize them anymore.
KATHIE LEE GIFFORD SUPPORTS ‘GREAT FRIEND’ REGIS PHILBIN AMID KELLY RIPA’S DRAMA
Kathie Lee Gifford reveals that her “soul was dying” while living in the city and needed to escape to the country.
(Vlasic slave)
Gifford became a household name while co-hosting with Philbin on the nationally syndicated show, which first aired in 1988. She left the show in July 2000 and pursued a few passions, including raising children Cody and Cassidy with her late husband Frank Gifford.
“I live in the Nashville area. There are a lot of beautiful suburbs here,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to live in the city. It’s just not my thing.
“I like going 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.” way they want to vote. And they, you know, just let you be.”
Kathie Lee Gifford (seen in 2017) has always bragged about her two children with late husband Frank, son Cody and daughter Cassidy.
(Greg Doherty)
She added: “I certainly don’t want to live there and pay the taxes.”
While Gifford took an eight-year break from live television after working with Regis for 15 years, he returned to the studio in 2008 to work with Hoda Kotb on the fourth hour of “Today.”
In 2019, Gifford earned a Daytime Emmy Award as a featured news talk show host the same year she left the network.
When asked if he missed working on television during the day, he replied seriously, “Not for a second.”
Kathie Lee Gifford and Regis Philbin met on the “Today” show in 2012.
(Peter Kramer/NBC)
Kelly Ripa (seen in 2005) recently wrote in her memoir that her working relationship with Regis Philbin was not an easy one.
(Gregory Peace)
Amid recent criticism of Regis by his former co-host, Kelly RipaGifford said that working with the latest broadcasting icon was “one of the best experiences of my life”.
She exclusively told Fox News Digital: “I worked with him for 15 years. We never had a nasty word between us.”
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Ripa, former Star of “All My Children” received backlash when her new memoir revealed her “great privilege” of working with Philbin from 2001 to 2011, also came the great burden of a “less than easy working relationship”.
“I’m not going to comment on Kelly’s story. It’s hers. She can say what she wants,” Gifford said. “I’m a strong believer in free speech. I don’t think we should cancel anyone. She has a right to tell her story as she remembers it.”
Regis Philbin introduced new co-host Kelly Ripa in July 2001.
(Spencer Platt)
Gifford interviewed every major celebrity, discussed the latest trends and biggest stories throughout his career in front of the camera. Still, he reflected on his time with Regis, who died in 2020 at the age of 88 years.
“I saw him two weeks before he died, and his wife told me that was the last time she heard him laugh, and I treasure that,” Gifford said.
“So that says all you need to know about what I think Kelly is saying right now.”
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