Gifford announces she'll leave morning talk show

Kathie Lee Gifford has co-hosted the syndicated television show "Live With Regis & Kathie Lee" for 11 years

February 29, 2000
Web posted at: 5:53 p.m. EST (2253 GMT)

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Kathie Lee Gifford, co-host of the ABC talk show "LIVE with Regis and Kathie Lee," is planning to leave the program after 11 years. She announced her departure on the show Tuesday, leaving audience members and viewers stunned.

The 46-year-old Gifford, wife of former football star and Monday night sports announcer Frank Gifford, cited concerns about her two young children, son Cody and daughter Cassidy.

"It's time," she told co-host Regis Philbin in the surprise announcement. He asked if she was kidding, and she said no.

"I have loved my years with you," Gifford said to Philbin. "You've been the greatest professional partner a person could ever, ever have."

Gifford said she would leave the show at the end of her contract in August but "will be happy to stay until a suitable replacement is found." Philbin's contract lasts until August 2001.

Gifford replacement vs. Philbin solo

Gifford's exit opens the door for a possible new host. But the producers may be hard-pressed to find a replacement who has the right chemistry with Philbin.

An expert in syndicated television told The Associated Press he thinks the production, a solid fourth in the syndicated talk-show market, will continue without Gifford.

"There's no reason her leaving would at all jeopardize the future of the program," said Richard Kurlander of the advertising firm Petry Television. "I don't see this as a problem. I see it as an opportunity."

Philbin has been moonlighting as a quiz-show host on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Gifford has branched out too, filling in one night a week for Carol Burnett in the Broadway musical, "Putting it Together." On Thursday, she served as guest host for David Letterman on CBS' "Late Show."

Gifford said she wants to concentrate on music when the talk-show stint ends. "I've got songs to sing. I've got songs to write," she said. "But I'll miss you with all my heart."

Gifford said her departure may also help protect Cody and Cassidy from mean-spirited gossip. In recent years, she has endured the glare of media scrutiny, following accusations that her clothing line was made in sweatshops and reports that her husband had an adulterous affair.

"Frank and I are fair game," she said. "We're grown-up people, but children are not fair game."

CNN Entertainment News Correspondent Cynthia Tornquist contributed to this report.

ABC

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