It’s been nearly five years since the passing of the legendary Regis Philbin, but Kathie Lee Gifford still carries a piece of him in her heart. The 71-year-old retired Today star recently opened up about how much she misses her longtime friend, sharing a nostalgic moment with her fans on social media. Kathie Lee’s tribute not only highlighted their professional bond but also the deep friendship they shared for decades.
A Throwback to the Golden Days
Kathie Lee took to Instagram on February 7 to post a heartwarming photo of herself and Regis from their time together on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee. The show, which originally aired as The Morning Show, ran from 1985 to 2000, and the pair became an iconic duo in the world of television. In her post, Kathie Lee expressed her eternal gratitude for the memories they created and the joy they brought to millions of viewers.
“Forever grateful for the moments shared and the laughter we spread,” she wrote in her caption. The photo captures the essence of their camaraderie, with both Kathie Lee and Regis smiling brightly on set. In true Regis fashion, he’s flexing his bicep, adding a playful touch to the image.
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Eight Years of Emmy Nominations
Fans will fondly remember the legendary team of Kathie Lee and Regis, who were nominated for Outstanding Talk Show Host at the Daytime Emmy Awards for eight consecutive years, from 1993 to 2000. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their partnership set the standard for morning talk shows. Even after their time on the air ended, their friendship remained as strong as ever.
A Farewell Fit for a Legend
When Kathie Lee decided to leave Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Regis made sure to give her a send-off that matched the depth of their friendship. In a touching video message, Regis expressed his admiration for Kathie Lee and the impact she had on his career.
“Kathie Lee, you want to know the best part of my life? My TV life? It was the 15 years I spent with you,” Regis said in the heartfelt video. “We stayed friends through the entire game, and it was a lot of fun. I know you’re going to be moving on to a great new career, making movies. And since I’ve seen the first one, I know you’re going to be a great success. I really mean it.”
Regis went on to express how much he cherished their time together and praised Kathie Lee for being not only an incredible cohost but also a wonderful person. His words were a testament to the mutual respect and affection they shared.
After leaving Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Kathie Lee transitioned to the Today show, where she co-hosted with Hoda Kotb from 2008 to April 2019. Her role on Today was later taken over by Jenna Bush Hager.
Kelly Ripa stepped in as Regis’s co-host in February 2001, working alongside him on Live! With Regis and Kelly until his retirement in November 2011. During his farewell announcement, Regis humorously noted, “This will be my last year on this show. It was the biggest thrill of my life… There is a time that everything must come to an end for certain people on camera, especially certain old people.”
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Regis’s Legacy Lives On
Regis Philbin set a Guinness World Record for Most Hours on Camera in 2004, showcasing his dedication to the craft. Unfortunately, he passed away from a heart attack due to coronary artery disease in July 2020 at the age of 88. Kathie Lee fondly remembered their time together, recalling the joy of “bantering and bickering and laughing ourselves silly.”
Kathie Lee also opened up about Regis’s struggles during the pandemic in an October 2020 appearance on The Talk. She revealed that Regis was deeply affected by the lack of live performances and the isolation caused by the pandemic. “Regis couldn’t perform anywhere, nobody was out and about, he couldn’t be Regis for people, you know? And it broke his heart,” she explained.
She added, “One of his dearest friends had just recently died of COVID. He was pretty much in a depression, I think. Regis just lived to make people happy. He certainly made me happy for the 35 years that we were great friends.”
