Kathie Lee Gifford describes the last time she saw Regis Philbin: 'That will forever be a precious gift'
Kathie Lee Gifford is opening up about her final memories of Regis Philbin as the tributes to the beloved TV host continue pouring in.
Gifford spoke with Today on Monday after Philbin, with whom she hosted Live with Regis and Kathie Lee for more than a decade, died on Friday at 88. She emotionally recalled having lunch with him and his wife about two weeks ago.
"We laughed ourselves sick," Gifford said. "We always just picked up right where we left off. ... We just had the best time, and after they left, I just thought to myself, 'Lord, is that the last time I'm going to see my friend?'"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Gifford, who said she "sensed much more fragility" in Philbin when she saw him, went on to say she's "so grateful the Lord gave me that final time" with him, saying that Philbin's wife told her this was the last time she heard him laugh.
"That will forever be a precious gift the Lord gave me that I got to laugh again with one of my best friends in all my lifetime," Gifford said.
Gifford also recalled how she and Philbin "never had one cross word" during the time they worked together and how they stayed "dear friends" who would get together "every chance we could." Gifford previously mourned Philbin in an Instagram post, writing that "I smile knowing somewhere in Heaven, at this very moment, he's making someone laugh."
Kelly Ripa, who also co-hosted Live with Philbin, paid tribute to him on Monday morning alongside Ryan Seacrest in an emotional segment as well, with Ripa recalling how her children "worshiped him." Brendan Morrow
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 24, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - taped bananas, flying monkeys, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The Spanish cop, 20 million euros and 13 tonnes of cocaine
In the Spotlight Óscar Sánchez Gil, Chief Inspector of Spain's Economic and Tax Crimes Unit, has been arrested for drug trafficking
By The Week UK Published
-
5 hilarious cartoons about the rise and fall of Matt Gaetz
Cartoons Artists take on age brackets, backbiting, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published