Often, two people who work in media might not seem to be connected at first glance, but can often surprise people by actually having quite a history together. Recently, Kathie Lee Gifford opened up about a friendship of hers that some fans might not know about: Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner. During a recent conversation, she even shared how far back they actually go.
Kathie Lee Gifford Actually Has A Surprising Connection To Kris Jenner’s Reality Show Career
For many, Gifford is known for hosting Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee with Regis Philbin from 1985 to 2000. She was later succeeded by Kelly Ripa, who officially joined the show the following year.
In 2008, it was announced that Gifford would join Today. For 11 years, she co-hosted the morning show’s fourth hour alongside Hoda Kotb, stylized as Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda, departing in 2019. Her work with Today saw her earn her first Daytime Emmy in 2010.
Throughout her career, Gifford has worked with a number of prominent figures. However, it can come as a surprise to many that she has had a long history with Kris Jenner. Reportedly, it was actually Gifford who suggested the Kardashian clan for a reality show when she turned down the offer for her own family.
Gifford recently spoke with People about her friendship with Jenner. She recalled that they both met in their 20s. She shared, “I’ve been friends with Kris for 50 years, since she was 20 and I was 22. We went to the same Bible study together back then.”
In A Recent Share, Gifford Noted Something In Her Friendship With Jenner That Had Come Full Circle
As mentioned, it was Gifford herself who helped launch Jenner’s reality show career, having turned down an offer for her own family to get a series in the early 2000s. She recalled, “I said, ‘No, I need a private place to go home to.’ I talk about my family enough. I don’t want a camera crew every day of my life.”
Gifford continued, “I said, ‘But you know who you should do? You should do the Kardashians and Jenners clan.’ Every time I went to her house, in one door is coming the Jackson 5, and going out the other door is Wayne Gretzky, then Heidi Klum. Their life is insanity.” Looking back on her friend’s success on reality television, she teased, “They learned how to make that work, boy.”
Jenner also recently served as the executive producer on an upcoming documentary about Gifford’s life, helping to bring things full circle. Gifford joked, “She’s on camera going, ‘I owe Kathie Lee my whole career.’ I get blamed for it sometimes!”
What is your reaction to Kathie Lee Gifford’s recent share? Have you been following this story? Are you keeping up with Today? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest reality TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.