Kathie Lee Gifford on replacing Hoda Kotb on today

As the search for Jenna Bush HagerNew Cohost continues to follow FeastDeparture, one Today A show alum is not interested in the NHS.

“I’ve been back as a guest often because I have a new book out or a new movie or something new I’m always working on,” Kathie Lee Gifford she was told only Weekly US Before submitting Jill Martin With the Ghost Life Award of Hope on Tuesday, June 4. “I still have great friends there. Many of the crew are still the same. And I miss Hoda so, so much. (But) I live in Tennessee most of the time now. I’ve had for about seven years already.”

Gifford, 71, left the Today Show in April 2019 after a fourth hour with Kotb, 60, for 11 years.

Bush Hager, 43, took the role and is now on the hunt for a permanent cohost After Kotb left in January to follow other opportunities, including her Joy 101 Wellness app.

“Hoda was never a different person off camera than he was on,” said Gifford about his friend Longtime. “I released her a little to be bad because Naughty makes a better TV than journalistic accuracy. We were bad.”

Every joke aside, Gifford is extremely proud of her former -coworker for taking a leap and trying something new.

The pair have remained in touch and recently reunited in Los Angeles to celebrate their titles of Q50 Ambassadors with the QVC shopping network.

“I’m so happy for her, so happy for her,” Gifford said about Kotb. “In our family, we do not say proudly because there is Scripture who says, ‘Pride comes before the fall.’ And we know we’re one decision away from a disaster. So we say ‘Groud,’ which means grateful to God for all the wonderful things that happen to you, but fully aware that you could screw it at any time.

Gifford also amazed at Martin, 49. In July 2023, the Today show a lifestyle contributor reveal She was diagnosed with phase 2 breast cancer after a genetic test showed the BRCA2 mutation.

She shared her Health battle – which included double mastectomy, aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment – Today. She is now considered non-cancer.

“I have very few heroes in my life,” shared Gifford with Us at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. “I’ve met too many people who disappoint you, and Jill will never be one of them.”

Related: Hoda Kotb explains why she doesn’t have a ‘bomb’ after his exit ‘today’

Hoda Kotb has no repentance for his recent show exit today. “I don’t have a bomb, which is so funny because I knew 100 (percent). I don’t have an ounce of it,” Kotb, 60, told us Weekly at the first New York City Fashion Show at the Lighthouse, Chelsea Piers, on Thursday, February (…)

Prior to receiving the Spirit of Life Award from the East End City of Hope episode, Martin expressed thanking her family and a close circle of lovers who offered prayer, support and encouragement during the most difficult times of her cancer struggle.

While Martin promises to continue to raise awareness of testing and research, she also chooses joy.

“Every day I choose to crush it,” said Martin Us. “It’s an everyday decision. It’s not like I’m floating.… It’s so beautiful and enchanting (to be honored).”