Kathie Lee Says Goodbye to Regis
N E W Y O R K, July 29 -- They say it ain’t over till the fat lady — or make that Regis — sings.
Regis Philbin’s personalized rendition of “Thanks for the Memories” brought tears to Kathie Lee Gifford’s eyes Friday during her farewell performance on ABC’s Live with Regis & Kathie Lee.
All the hairdos, costumes and goofy antics from 15 years of this morning show duo were recalled during the broadcast. And Gifford, who has said she is leaving the show to pursue more acting and singing opportunities, said she knows exactly what she will do next.
“We are eating crabs and drinking beers all weekend!” she shouted to her parents, who were in the audience along with her husband, Frank Gifford, and children Cody and Cassidy.
About 40 fans gathered outside the studio hoping to give flowers and balloons to Gifford. Cynthia Haskins of Philadelphia said television will never be the same again. “She’s [been] there every morning.”
Kathie Lee Day Gifford’s final episode featured taped testimonials from celebrities including David Letterman, Rosie O’Donnell and All My Children star Susan Lucci, with time for just one live guest — Disney CEO Michael Eisner. (Disney is the parent company of ABC.)
Eisner presented Gifford with a special Mouster award and put in a plea for a repeat of the Kathie Lee farewell. “The ratings have been so unbelievable this week, can’t you do it again?”
Not to be upstaged, Mayor Rudolph Guiliani sent in an official proclamation declaring July 28 Kathie Lee Gifford Day.
Family Affair
Gifford’s children gave her a pancake cookbook and the necessary ingredients to start making them breakfast now that she’ll be around before they go to school.
To make sure she’s prepared for her morning coffee off the air, the show’s crew gave her a silver coffee cup. Gifford said she’s ready to enjoy her mornings at home, “[I will] sit home with Frank and sip coffee and watch [Regis] and the next bimbo that sits here.”