When the church bells ring out across Nashville, Kathie Lee Gifford can't help but pause whatever she's doing. "Every corner of this town seems to have a church, and those bells toll on the hour," she shared with Closer at the Movieguide Awards Gala. "I like to stop and really listen to them. It reminds me that I get to live here, and that’s something I never take for granted."
In 2018, Kathie Lee, now 66, decided to step away from her high-profile career in daytime television to embrace a simpler, more meaningful life. Her intention was to find a happier, more spiritual existence, and she hasn’t looked back since. “I want every single moment of my life to matter," she reflects. "I’m more aware than ever that time is slipping away." This sense of urgency became even more pronounced after the passing of her beloved husband, NFL legend Frank Gifford, in 2015. "When you lose someone so dear, you realize your own time is limited,” she admits.
Leaving the Hustle of NYC for the Heart of Nashville
After decades spent in the fast-paced world of New York City, where she carved out her career on Today and Live With Regis and Kathie Lee, Kathie Lee felt it was time to make a change. She yearned to escape the divisive atmosphere she observed in much of modern America. "People yell instead of talking. There’s no honest dialogue anymore—it’s either you believe the way I do, or you’re off my planet," she explains. "I don’t know how this instability crept into our country, but I’ve had enough of it." For her, Nashville offered not just a change of scenery but a chance to reconnect with values that matter most.
Read also:Cbs Teases A Jawdropping Family Secret In Tracker Season 2 Finale
A New Chapter in Music City
As a lifelong Christian and accomplished musician who has released multiple albums, Kathie Lee found the warm, welcoming community she craved in Nashville. "People here love God, they love music, they love to dance, and they love America," she says with enthusiasm. "Even if they don’t agree with the president, they still pray for him. I haven’t met one person who carries hate in their heart." One of her greatest joys has been making new friends, which led her to upgrade to a larger home where she could host gatherings. "I love entertaining," she shares. "Some of Nashville’s best writers come over, we light a fire, they explore my wine cellar, and I cook them a delicious meal."
Love and Legacy
Though she’s dating again, Kathie Lee is taking things slow. "Frank and I were friends for four years before we got married, and then we shared almost 29 incredible years together," she recalls. "That was the real deal, and I won’t settle for anything less." She’s looking for someone who embodies kindness, generosity, and faith. "Someone who loves God more than himself—and, of course, someone who’s fun and sexy!"
Her focus isn’t just on romance—it’s also on family. Both of her children, Cassidy, 26, and Cody, 29, are tying
