Kathie Lee Gifford's life has taken some fascinating twists and turns over the past few years. After bidding farewell to Today in April 2019, the beloved broadcaster relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she met her boyfriend, Richard Spitz. While their relationship seemed promising, it eventually didn't last. Let's dive deeper into this chapter of her life and understand the dynamics of her connection with Richard.
Who Is Richard Spitz? Unpacking the Man Behind the Headlines
Richard Spitz is a dynamic businessman who currently serves as the director of Strong Force Innovation Portfolios. Their paths crossed when Kathie Lee moved to Nashville in 2019, and they became neighbors. Richard quickly became an important part of her life, sharing many of her passions.
According to insiders, Kathie Lee and Richard shared a deep connection rooted in their shared values and interests. "She and Richard have so much in common," an insider revealed to Closer in July 2023. "He shares in her love of faith, family, food, and living in Tennessee." Their bond was evident in the few public appearances they made together, enjoying meals and strolls around Nashville.
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Speculation about their future even reached the point where friends believed they might tie the knot. "I can see Kathie Lee and Richard walking down the aisle in the near future," a close friend told Closer in December 2023. Despite some challenges, they managed to work through obstacles, showcasing their commitment to each other. "Kathie Lee just got a little nervous about how serious things were getting. It scared her, but he’s a good man and they worked things out," the source added.
Richard’s charm and personality endeared him to those around them. "He has a very Southern gentleman yet New York sensibility about him, which she likes," the source noted. While Kathie Lee might wear the pants in their relationship, Richard was often seen as the one running the show.
Kathie Lee Gifford's Journey Through Love
Her Marriages: A Look Back
Kathie Lee has navigated the complexities of love twice before. Her first marriage was to Paul Johnson, lasting from 1976 to 1983. However, her most enduring relationship was with Frank Gifford, her husband of 29 years. Frank's passing in August 2015 left a profound impact on Kathie Lee, and it was later revealed that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition likely caused by repeated concussions.
After Frank's death, Kathie Lee opened up about her journey toward finding love again. "I think I dated four different gentlemen, and they’re all great guys, but they’re not the one for me," she told Page Six in October 2020. "If I fall in love again, it will be because God just made it happen." Her faith and resilience have guided her through these chapters of her life.
When Did Kathie Lee Gifford Split From Richard Spitz? The End of a Chapter
During a February 2024 episode of Today, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager playfully nominated Kathie Lee to be the first-ever lead on The Golden Bachelorette. "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 said with a laugh, adding, "We’re starting to speak things into existence." This segment sparked speculation about Kathie Lee's romantic status.
Insiders revealed that Kathie Lee was deeply affected by the loss of her beloved husband, Frank Gifford. Her relationship with Richard brought her comfort and joy after such a profound loss. "She was frightened she would never find love again, but she did—briefly," an insider told Closer in March 2024.
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Now, with their relationship over, Kathie Lee finds herself navigating another heartbreak. "Now, with their relationship over, she’s going through another emotional challenge and is frightened that at 70, her time has passed," the source continued. Despite this, Kathie Lee is resilient and determined to move forward.
During this difficult period, Kathie Lee has leaned on her close friend Hoda Kotb for support. "Hoda has been calling her every day and planning a visit to Nashville soon," a source shared. "Kathie Lee is in a difficult place emotionally right now after the breakup, but she’s receiving love and support from those around her." Looking ahead, she plans to focus on her family, friends, and faith rather than pursuing new relationships.
