Key Takeaways:
– Kathie Lee Gifford has dismissed speculation of her being the next lead on the ABC show, “The Golden Bachelorette”.
– The former talk show host believes she is too well-known for the dating show and would not fall in love so quickly.
– Gifford appreciates the reality TV format but insists it is not for her.
– Her friend and colleague Hoda Kotb, had publicly campaigned for her to be on the show.
– Gifford’s love life has been a topic of interest since the death of her husband in 2015.
Kathie Lee Gifford Won’t Be Doling Out Roses
Despite the circulating rumours and a fervent fan base, former talk show co-host Kathie Lee Gifford is not the forthcoming lead on ABC’s “The Golden Bachelorette”. During her dialogue with Entertainment Tonight, Gifford disclosed insider discussions with ABC producers where she clarified her stance on reality TV. She expressed admiration for the template adopted by ABC, but clarified that it would not suit her.
“I’m too well-known, for one thing. And I don’t believe that in a matter of weeks [I would] fall madly in love with somebody. For me, it would never work that way,” she stated.
Maintaining a Private Life
Gifford has emphasized keeping her private life away from the public eye as a core principle. This clearly outlines her stance on reality TV. In addition, she is concerned about the potential impact on her family. Rather humorously, she offered an alternative program concept, very much characterizing her personality, “If you guys want to do a completely different kind of show, which is basically a sitcom, then I’ll make fun of myself but I’m not getting in the hot tub with anyone.”
Friends Campaigning for Gifford’s Television Return
Hoda Kotb, a longtime friend and colleague of Gifford, has reportedly been persuading her to reconsider her decision. She went on record during a February broadcast of the “Today” show, claiming that Gifford would be an ideal fit for “The Golden Bachelor” franchise.
Kotb’s enthusiasm remained undeterred even after Gifford’s initial dismissal of the idea. The conversation reignited the following month when Gifford joined the NBC morning show with Kotb and co-host Jenna Bush Hager. Here again, the idea of her being a part of “The Golden Bachelorette” was proposed. While it was done in good humor, it further fueled fan speculation.
Gifford furthered her playful banter on the topic, saying the suitors on the show would need to be much younger if she were to consider it.
The Widowed Talk-show Star’s Romantic Life
A well-known figure in American television, Gifford, now 70, lost her husband, Frank, in 2015. Her romantic life has been of interest since then. Reports indicate that she was dating businessman Richards Spitz from 2022 through 2023. Nonetheless, Gifford maintains her privacy on this matter, keeping any personal information undisclosed.
The veteran TV star’s love life has been a subject of discussion given her past relationship and the recent breakup alleged by her “outing” friend Hoda Kotb.
The Final Verdict
Despite the push from fans and friends alike, Gifford remains resolute in her decision to stay away from reality TV. She revealed that she has talked to the producers about the prospect. The producers concurred that it would indeed be a different kind of show if she were to be a part of it.
“So, I don’t see it happening,” she concluded. With that, the speculation surrounding Gifford’s participation in “The Golden Bachelorette” seems to have finally been put to rest.