In the last few years, Kathie Lee Gifford's life has been a whirlwind of change. At 65, the beloved Today show host is stepping into a new chapter with grace and determination. In a candid conversation with AARP The Magazine, she shares how she's navigating the challenges of widowhood, saying goodbye to her long-standing career, and embracing the future with hope and purpose.
Facing Life’s Challenges Head-On
Kathie Lee hasn’t shied away from the tough moments in her life. She’s faced the heartbreaking loss of her husband, legendary sports broadcaster Frank Gifford, in 2015, and her mother, Joan Epstein, in 2017. To add to that, her children—29-year-old son Cody and 25-year-old daughter Cassie—are all grown up and out of the house. Now, after 11 unforgettable years, she’s preparing to step away from the Today show. It’s a lot for anyone to handle, but Kathie Lee is tackling it with the resilience that’s made her a household name.
“You Have to Define Yourself by What You Still Have”
“As you get older, especially as a widow, you battle a lot of things,” Kathie Lee reflected. “It hit me recently—I’m a widow, I’m an orphan because my mom passed, and I’m an empty nester all at once. If you’re not careful, what you’ve lost can start to define you. But that’s not healthy. It’s so much better to focus on what you still have. That’s what keeps me moving forward. I’m making some big changes because I need to—changes that feed my soul. Otherwise, despair can creep in, and loneliness can be absolutely crippling.”
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Time for a Fresh Start
In her April/May cover story with AARP The Magazine, Kathie Lee revealed that she’s relocating from her “big house” in Long Island, New York. This move isn’t just about downsizing; it’s about creating a new environment that supports her emotional well-being. She’s also been intentional about reshaping her social life, recognizing that staying active and engaged is crucial for overcoming feelings of loneliness. These steps, though challenging, are part of her journey toward healing and renewal.
Sunset Alerts and the Weight of Memories
One of the most poignant moments in her interview came when Kathie Lee talked about her family’s cherished tradition of celebrating sunsets. “Sunset was such a big deal for us,” she shared. “Every single day, no matter what, we’d shout, ‘Sunset alert!’ and stop whatever we were doing to go outside and honor the day. Now, I still call out the sunset alerts—but it’s just me and the puppies. We still go out and do it, but those moments are among my saddest now. They remind me of everything and everyone I’ve lost.”
A New Dream on the Horizon
Kathie Lee’s decision to leave Today wasn’t easy, but she felt it was necessary to pursue a deeper calling. “There’s a more powerful dream inside me that needs to be fulfilled,” she explained. That dream? Writing a film titled Then Came You. The story follows a widow who embarks on a journey to take her late husband’s ashes to the locations of their favorite movies. It’s a project close to her heart, inspired by her own experiences of love and loss.
Evolution Over Reinvention
For Kathie Lee, this isn’t about reinventing herself—it’s about evolving. “I’m not starting over,” she emphasized. “I’m growing as an artist and as a person. That process will continue until the day I die. People who think I’m just a silly person don’t really know me. Sure, I’m 10 percent silly, but 90 percent of me is dead serious about life.”
As Kathie Lee steps into this next phase of her life, fans and admirers are sending their love and support. Her courage and authenticity inspire us all to embrace change with open hearts and minds.
