Why Kathie Lee Gifford Isn’t Ready for Reality TV Love
Listen up, folks—Kathie Lee Gifford isn’t about to dive into reality TV dating any time soon. The former Live with Kelly and Ryan co-host has set the record straight about those swirling rumors that she’s set to take the reins as the lead on The Golden Bachelorette. In a candid interview with Us Weekly, Kathie Lee made it crystal clear that she’s not interested in wading into those hot tubs of romance—or the drama that comes with them.
Now, let’s break this down. At 70 years young, Kathie Lee isn’t one to shy away from speaking her mind. When asked about the possibility of being the star of The Golden Bachelorette, she didn’t mince words. “You get diseases when you get in hot tubs, you know what I’m saying?” she joked, adding, “People should be far more careful. I don’t know where those lips have been on all those guys, so I’d be far more cautious than those other ladies are.” Oof, that’s a mic drop if I’ve ever heard one.
Hot Tub Drama and Relationship Realities
Kathie Lee went on to share her thoughts about the whirlwind nature of reality dating shows. “They just get in the hot tub, get all over each other, and jump into bed, and I’m thinking, ‘They don’t even know your middle name,’” she quipped. Her take? It’s just not her scene. “I don’t see that I’m going to be a part of that anytime soon,” she firmly stated. And who could blame her? Some things are better left untangled.
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Where Did These Rumors Even Come From?
So, how did this rumor mill even start spinning? Well, it all began back in February when Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager brought up the idea during a segment on Today. These two powerhouse hosts thought Kathie Lee would be a perfect fit for the role. “Oh, you never know! She might! By the way, she would be a 10 plus and she’d get her choice of all the men, and you know how she is—all flirty and cute,” Hoda, 59, told Jenna.
But Kathie Lee wasn’t having it. After hearing her name thrown into the mix, she had a few things to say. “I don’t think they know me anymore,” she admitted. “That came as a big surprise to me. I don’t see that happening in the future. Not that it couldn’t, but it would have to be a very, very different kind of show than they do.” Translation: Kathie Lee’s not looking for just any old reality TV experience.

Love, Loss, and Moving Forward
After losing her beloved husband, Frank Gifford, in August 2015, Kathie Lee eventually found love again with her neighbor Richard Spitz in Nashville, Tennessee. However, their romance was short-lived, and the couple parted ways, leaving Kathie Lee heartbroken once more.
“Kathie Lee was deeply affected by the loss of her second husband, Frank Gifford, and found solace in her relationship with Richard,” a source told Closer earlier this month. “She was frightened she would never find love again, but she did—briefly.”
“Now, with their relationship over, she’s going through another heartbreak and is frightened that at 70, her time has passed,” the insider continued. But here’s the thing: Kathie Lee isn’t doing this alone. She’s leaning on her close friends and family for support during this tough time.
A Shoulder to Lean On
While Kathie Lee was caught off guard by Hoda’s Golden Bachelorette comments, she’s been leaning heavily on her former co-star throughout her breakup. “Hoda has been calling her every day and planning a visit to Nashville soon,” a source revealed. “Kathie Lee is in a difficult place emotionally right now after getting dumped but is receiving love and support from those around her. Moving forward, she plans to focus on her family, friends, and faith—not on men!”
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