Kathie Lee Gifford Gets Emotional Discussing ‘Today’ Departure

After a decade of being on The Today Show, it’s officially time to say goodbye to Kathie Lee Gifford.

The talk show host is walking away from the show on April 5, but she’s already getting emotional about her departure.

Not only is she leaving her home for the past 10 years, but she is also leaving her longtime co-host, Hoda Kotb.

The pair opened up to Entertainment Tonight about their friendship and how hard it’ll be to say goodbye.

“She’s the best friend you can have. I consider Hoda one of my dearest forever,” Gifford said about Kotb.

The good news is Kotb feels the same way!

“The day that I met Kathie, that was big line of demarcation. I feel like everything changed and got better and got happier. I felt more fulfilled and I felt like I took risks that I never thought I could take,” Kotb said.

The Today Show also celebrated Gifford with a big farewell party earlier this week. Gifford shared photos from the event on her Instagram page.

“Beyond blessed for friends like this!!” she captioned photos from the party.

Today anchor Savannah Guthrie also shared a photo from the party and wrote, “Toasting a legend tonight — @kathielgifford you will be missed every day.”

Al Roker also shared the same photo and wrote, “What a wonderful #farewell #party for @kathielgifford and she starts her next adventure. So much fun hanging with @dylandreyernb c@carsondaly @savannahguthrie @hodakotb.”

Are you sad to say goodbye to Kathie Lee Gifford? It isn’t the first time she’s left a show that has stayed on the air. Remember Regis & Kathie Lee? Let us know if you will miss her on The Today Show in the comments section below!