It was the glass of rosé heard ‘round the world. Or at least, the glass heard ‘round the 10:00 AM time slot. When you think about hoda kotb kathie lee, you probably picture two women laughing so hard they can barely breathe, clutching oversized wine glasses while a segment about "dog yoga" goes off the rails in the background. It was chaos. It was messy. Honestly, it was the most relatable thing on television for over a decade.
But here we are in 2025 and early 2026, and something strange is happening. Usually, when a TV duo splits up, the "magic" evaporates. One person goes to Nashville, the other stays in 30 Rock, and eventually, they become a trivia question. That didn't happen here. With Hoda Kotb’s recent emotional exit from the Today show in January 2025, the legacy of her partnership with Kathie Lee Gifford has suddenly become the blueprint for how to handle fame, aging, and genuine friendship in the public eye.
The 5-Hour Lunch That Changed Everything
Most people don't realize that Hoda and Kathie Lee weren't actually "supposed" to be a thing. Back in 2008, NBC was looking to fill the fourth hour of Today. Kathie Lee Gifford was already a legend from her Regis days, and she wasn't exactly looking to jump back into the daily grind. She actually told NBC she'd give them one year. Tops.
Then she met Hoda.
They went out for a lunch that was scheduled for an hour and lasted five. It only ended because the restaurant literally had to clear the table for the dinner shift. Kathie Lee famously told Hoda in the ladies' room that day, "I don't want to come back to television, but I know I can be friends with you for the rest of my life." That one-year contract turned into 11 years.
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That’s the thing about hoda kotb kathie lee—it wasn't a "work marriage" built by a casting director. It was a real-life connection that just happened to have cameras pointed at it. They taught us that you can find your "person" at 40, 50, or 60. You’re never too old for a new best friend.
Why the Hoda Kotb Kathie Lee Dynamic Worked
Why did we watch? Honestly, it wasn't for the news. It was the lack of a filter. In an era where morning TV was becoming increasingly polished and corporate, these two were the antidote. They were "Auntie Energy" personified.
- The Wine: Let’s be real. The wine was a character. It started as a joke and became a symbol of "it's five o'clock somewhere" (even if it was actually 10:01 AM).
- The Vulnerability: They didn't just share laughs. We saw them through Frank Gifford’s passing, through Hoda’s journey to motherhood and her adoption of Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
- The "Try Everything" Attitude: From dressing up as characters from The Voice to trying every bizarre fitness trend, they were never too proud to look ridiculous.
Kathie Lee once said that Hoda was the only person who could make her "forget there were cameras in the room." That’s rare. In 2026, where every influencer is curated to the point of exhaustion, that raw 2010s footage of Hoda and Kathie Lee feels like a time capsule of actual human interaction.
What Really Happened When Kathie Lee Left?
When Kathie Lee walked away in 2019, the skeptics were out in force. They figured the friendship would fade once the "work" part was gone. Instead, it shifted. Kathie Lee moved to Franklin, Tennessee, to escape what she called "suffocating loneliness" after her husband died and her kids moved out. She started writing movies, composing music, and diving deep into her faith.
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Hoda, meanwhile, stepped into the main anchor chair with Savannah Guthrie. It was a huge promotion, but she never stopped shouting out her "KLG."
In 2024 and 2025, we saw them reunite more frequently. Just this past January 2026, they made a surprise appearance together on Today to support Sheinelle Jones. Seeing them back on that set together? It felt like a warm hug. It reminded everyone that Hoda’s decision to leave Today—which she officially did on January 10, 2025—was heavily influenced by the "Kathie Lee Philosophy."
The "Hoda-bration" and the Influence of KLG
When Hoda announced her retirement from the show, she cited her 60th birthday as a turning point. She wanted a "bigger slice of the time pie" for her daughters. Sound familiar? That’s exactly the kind of life-first, career-second advice Kathie Lee has been preaching for years.
Kathie Lee even sent a video message for Hoda’s final "Hoda-bration," telling her she was "so proud" of her for "choosing her life."
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The keyword hoda kotb kathie lee isn't just about a TV show anymore; it’s about the transition from being a "human doing" to a "human being." Kathie Lee showed Hoda that there is a vibrant, creative, and peaceful life after the 4:00 AM alarm clock stops ringing.
Myths vs. Reality
Let's clear some things up that people always get wrong.
- They didn't drink as much as you think. Yes, the wine was there, but most of the time it was a prop or they’d take a sip and leave the rest. It was about the vibe of a brunch, not an actual bender.
- There was no "feud" when Jenna Bush Hager took over. In fact, Kathie Lee has been one of Jenna’s biggest cheerleaders. She calls Jenna her "spirit daughter."
- They aren't "retired" in the traditional sense. Kathie Lee is currently working on her next book, Nero & Paul, expected later in 2026. Hoda is launching a wellness brand and a podcast focused on "turning the page" at 60.
Actionable Takeaways from the Hoda & Kathie Lee Era
If you're missing the duo or looking to channel that energy in your own life, here’s how to do it:
- Find your "Ladies' Room" Friend: Seek out the person you can have a five-hour lunch with. If you haven't found them yet, keep looking. Hoda and Kathie Lee didn't meet until they were well into their careers.
- Don't Fear the Pivot: Both women walked away from "dream jobs" because their souls needed something else—whether it was Tennessee or more time with kids. If you're feeling burnt out, look at their transitions as a "how-to" guide.
- Be the Person Who Brings the Fun: Their show worked because they decided, every single morning, to choose joy over the depressing news cycle. You can do that in your own office or home.
- Stay Connected: Distance doesn't kill friendships; lack of effort does. They still text. They still visit. They still show up for the big moments.
The era of hoda kotb kathie lee might be over in terms of a daily broadcast, but the "sisterhood" they built is more relevant now than ever. As Hoda starts her new chapter in 2026, she's doing it with the same guts and grace that her friend Kathie Lee modeled years ago. And honestly? We’ll drink to that.