Could Kathie Lee Gifford Be Ready for Love Again?
Here’s a name that’s no stranger to the spotlight: Kathie Lee Gifford. The beloved Today alum is making waves again, this time in the dating world. Sources close to the star reveal that Kathie Lee, who’s no longer shy about her romantic prospects, is “totally open” to finding love again. And guess what? She’s even considering sharing her journey with the world on ABC’s The Golden Bachelorette. That’s right—imagine Kathie Lee as the star of her own dating reality show. An insider exclusively tells Closer that while the rumors are just that—rumors—Kathie Lee isn’t entirely opposed to the idea.
Let’s break this down. The rumors about Kathie Lee joining The Golden Bachelorette have been swirling around for a bit now. But here’s the kicker: she’s not shutting the door on the opportunity. In fact, she seems genuinely open to the possibility. “The rumors about Kathie Lee joining The Golden Bachelorette are just that, rumors, but she isn’t totally against the idea,” the source reveals. Now, that’s some intriguing news, isn’t it?
Why Everyone Thinks Kathie Lee Would Be Perfect for The Golden Bachelorette
The buzz around Kathie Lee, now 70, being the star of The Golden Bachelorette started during an episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna on February 12. Her former co-hosts, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, were chatting with the audience and threw out the idea that Kathie Lee would be the perfect fit for the dating show. They weren’t just throwing out names—they genuinely believe she’d bring something special to the table. “Kathie Lee would be perfect,” they said, fueling the fire of speculation even further.
Read also:Julia Roberts Supports George Clooneys Broadway Debut With Family In Tow
But here’s where it gets interesting. While Hoda, 59, and Jenna, 42, are all for seeing Kathie Lee take the lead role on The Golden Bachelorette, Kathie Lee’s kids, Cody and Cassidy Gifford, have mixed feelings. “She said her son, Cody, would love for her to do it, but her daughter, Cassidy, says no way,” the insider shares. Clearly, the family is divided on the matter, but one thing’s for sure—Kathie Lee is ready to open her heart again.
A Look Back at Kathie Lee's Love Life
Before we dive too deep into what could be, let’s take a moment to reflect on Kathie Lee’s past relationships. After the shocking breakup from her neighbor Richard Spitz, many wondered if Kathie Lee would ever dive back into the dating pool. Richard and Kathie Lee began dating after she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2019. Prior to meeting Richard, Kathie Lee was married to the late Frank Gifford for 29 years, a love story that ended tragically with his death in 2015.
For a while, it seemed like Kathie Lee and Richard were heading toward a serious commitment. A friend of the star told Closer in December 2023, “She enjoys his companionship. I can see Kathie Lee and Richard tying the knot in the near future.” But as we all know, things didn’t pan out quite like that. Still, they parted ways on good terms, leaving Kathie Lee open to new possibilities.
ABC has already announced that The Golden Bachelorette will air this fall and has started casting men for the show. Fans of Kathie Lee are crossing their fingers, hoping she’ll lead the inaugural season. During an appearance on Today on March 26, Kathie Lee said, “I can’t do it. They haven’t offered it to me,” but then added with a wink, “Well, we’ve talked about it.”
