When Kathie Lee Gifford bid a heartfelt goodbye to the Today show in April 2019, she wasn't just stepping away from her television career. She was also embarking on a new chapter of her life in Nashville, Tennessee. Fans have been curious ever since about whether she's stayed in the "Music City" amid the twists and turns of her personal life. Let’s dive into her journey and find out more about this exciting chapter.
Why Did Kathie Lee Gifford Choose Nashville?
Back in December 2018, Kathie Lee dropped a major announcement, revealing she was leaving the Today show after an incredible 11-year run. It was a decision that left many longtime viewers stunned. But for Kathie Lee, the move wasn't just about leaving a job—it was about pursuing a life filled with fresh opportunities and experiences.
During her final episode on the show, Kathie Lee got emotional as she pointed to her cohost, Hoda Kotb, saying, "I fell in love." Over the years, she had grown to cherish her time on the show, but as the 11th anniversary approached, she knew it was time to move on. And Nashville? Well, it was the perfect place for her next adventure.
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“Nashville turned out to be even more fun and exciting than I ever imagined,” Kathie Lee shared with Nashville Lifestyles in December 2020. “I’ve found an incredible community of friends, fellow believers, and talented writers. It’s a city that feels like home, and I couldn’t wait to start this brand-new chapter of my life.”
Before Nashville, Kathie Lee lived in a home in Connecticut that she once shared with her late husband, Frank Gifford, and their children, Cassidy and Cody Gifford. After Frank's sudden passing in August 2015, the house, once filled with laughter and joy, became a reminder of what was lost. Kathie Lee knew it was time to move on.
“This house in Connecticut was full of memories, but living there alone made it feel empty,” she said during a January 2020 appearance on Today. “Sure, my dogs were great company, but they couldn’t replace the sound of kids laughing, the smell of food on the grill, or the vibrant life we once had there. It was time for a change.”
Is Nashville Still Kathie Lee Gifford's Home?
Kathie Lee still calls Nashville home, residing in a stunning 7,965-square-foot brownstone in a gated community. It’s here that she found love again with her neighbor, Richard Spitz, a businessman who seemed to bring new joy into her life.
For a while, it looked like Kathie Lee had found true love with Richard. They were spotted together on rare occasions, and friends believed they might even tie the knot. “She enjoys his companionship,” a friend told Closer in December 2023. “I can definitely see them getting married in the near future.”
Unfortunately, the relationship didn't last. The couple broke up, leaving Kathie Lee heartbroken and feeling uncertain about her future at the age of 70. “Now that their relationship is over, she’s dealing with another heartbreak and worrying that her time has passed,” an insider revealed to Closer in March 2024.
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Through it all, Hoda Kotb has been there for her, offering unwavering support. “Hoda has been calling her every day and is planning a visit to Nashville soon,” the source said. “Kathie Lee is going through a tough time emotionally, but she’s surrounded by love and support from those who care about her.”
