Hey there, friends! Let’s dive into the delightful world of Kathie Lee Gifford, the vibrant former TV personality who’s as real as they come. Recently, Kathie Lee got a sweet FaceTime call from her adorable toddler grandson Frankie. She shared the heartwarming moment exclusively with Closer: “I said, ‘Hi, Baby.’ He replied, ‘Hey, Bubbie’ — that’s what they call me — ‘sing Poopy song!’” Kathie Lee laughed as she recounted, “He literally FaceTimed me to sing the Poopy song. That’s as good as it gets.” This glimpse into her family life shows just how grounded and connected she remains, despite her immense fame.
When Kathie Lee isn’t busy entertaining her three cherished grandchildren with songs about dirty diapers, she’s keeping herself incredibly busy. After retiring from her beloved television gig in 2019 and relocating to Nashville, she’s taken on a new challenge: writing a book. But this isn’t just any book—it’s Herod and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior. If you think Kathie Lee only writes cookbooks and memoirs, think again. This latest project is something entirely different. As she puts it, “If the story of Jesus Christ is the greatest story ever told, the story of Herod is the greatest story never told!” This book marks a bold new direction for her, and she couldn’t be more excited about it.
What Message Does Kathie Lee Hope to Deliver?
What do you hope readers will take away from a book about Herod, a ruthless ruler, and Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ?
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Kathie Lee believes deeply in the power of hope, even amidst the darkest of times. She explains, “I truly believe evil has been in the world ever since the world began. If you look at all the Scripture, Satan was there at the garden. I think people feel like there’s no hope anymore in the world, but that’s not true. Herod & Mary is about ancient evil and living hope. We juxtapose the story of Herod, who was one of the most evil men to ever live, with Mary, who was about to give birth at the same time that Herod was dying.” It’s a powerful message that resonates deeply, reminding us all that light can shine even in the darkest moments.
How Did This Book Idea Come to Life?
How did you come up with the idea for this book?
Kathie Lee shares how her journey began in 2012 during her first rabbinical visit to Israel. She says, “Unless you’re truly studying what the word of God actually says, you’ll never have any comprehension of what it means. It changed my whole life. When I got home from that first trip, my son said, ‘Mom, why don’t you write books based on biblical history?’ I thought it was an amazing idea.” Her passion for learning and sharing biblical stories has clearly led her to this fascinating new project.
Bringing People Closer to God
What do you think is the best way to bring people closer to God?
Kathie Lee’s answer is simple yet profound: “Tell them that God loves them. That’s it. People can’t stand the division between us all these days. I don’t want to divide people, I just want to tell them how much God loves them. So, this book shows the difference between someone like Herod, who was as evil as you could possibly be, and Mary, who is just as dear, kind, loving and pure as a person can be.” Her message is one of love and acceptance, a universal truth that transcends all boundaries.
Was it ever difficult to be a Christian and have a career in show business?
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Surprisingly, Kathie Lee says no. She reflects, “No, I knew from the moment I was born that I was being called into [entertainment]. God gave me a boldness, and that’s why I was there. I was never afraid to talk about Him. And every time I did, the ratings went up! Nobody ever said I couldn’t talk about it.” Her unwavering faith and courage have clearly been guiding forces throughout her illustrious career.
Did fame on ‘Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee’ change your life?
“Yeah, but not for the better. I never wanted to be famous. I was never the prettiest girl who tried out for a job. I was never the smartest. I wasn’t the best actress. I was never the best singer. I was never, ever, the best, but I worked the hardest, quite frankly. I worked my tush off, and I was always kind to everybody.” Kathie Lee’s humility and hard work are evident in every word she speaks.
What are your fondest memories of working with Regis Philbin?
Kathie Lee shares, “I talk to him every day. I talk to my mom, my dad, Frank [Gifford] and Regis every day. I just adored him. We never had an unkind word between us in 15 years. And then after I left the show, we got far closer than when we worked together.” Her deep connection with Regis is clear, a testament to their lasting friendship.
Why do you think people enjoyed the two of you so much?
“We had fun! That’s the key to it. We just loved each other. For 15 years, we laughed our [butts] off. We were never mean-spirited like the world is today.” Kathie Lee’s joy and laughter are infectious, and it’s no wonder audiences loved watching her and Regis together.
You were also lucky enough to have wonderful chemistry with your ‘Today’ cohost Hoda Kotb.
“There was instant chemistry with her. She is sunshine in a bottle and I adore her.” Kathie Lee’s admiration for Hoda is evident, and their on-screen chemistry was truly something special.
Were you an instant success on-air, too?
“The first year it didn’t work — we were
