Kathie Lee Says Goodbye to Regis

ByABC News
July 27, 2000, 9:24 AM

N E W  Y O R K, July 29 -- They say it aint over till the fat lady or make that Regis sings.

Regis Philbins personalized rendition of Thanks for the Memories brought tears to Kathie Lee Giffords eyes Friday during her farewell performance on ABCs 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. Shes [been] there every morning.

Kathie Lee Day Giffords final episode featured taped testimonials from celebrities including David Letterman, Rosie ODonnell 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, cant 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

Giffords children gave her a pancake cookbook and the necessary ingredients to start making them breakfast now that shell be around before they go to school.

To make sure shes prepared for her morning coffee off the air, the shows crew gave her a silver coffee cup. Gifford said shes 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.