Kathie Lee Gifford Reflects on Her Friendship with Kris Jenner and Career in New Documentary
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Kathie Lee Gifford, the 72-year-old former television host, has long been known for her engaging personality and vibrant career. In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, she opened up about her deep-rooted friendship with Kris Jenner and the pivotal role she played in the creation of the iconic reality show, *Keeping Up with the Kardashians*.
Gifford and Jenner’s friendship spans an impressive 50 years, dating back to when they first met at a Bible study in their twenties. Gifford reminisced about those early days, noting the strong bond that formed between them. “I’ve been friends with Kris for 50 years, since she was 20 and I was 22,” Gifford stated.
In the early 2000s, a significant opportunity arose for Gifford with a proposal for a reality television show centred around her family. However, she turned down the idea in favour of suggesting Jenner’s family for the spotlight instead. “I said, ‘No, I need a private place to go home to,'” she recalled. Gifford recognised the potential in Jenner’s lively household, describing it as an intriguing and chaotic environment filled with celebrity visitors. “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,” she recollected.
The show Gifford suggested, which eventually became the globally recognised *Keeping Up with the Kardashians*, premiered on E! in 2007 and ran for 14 years before transitioning to Hulu in 2022 with a new series titled *The Kardashians*. Gifford acknowledged the success of the show, stating, “They learned how to make that work, boy.”
In a full-circle moment, Jenner is now serving as the executive producer of Gifford’s upcoming documentary, which promises to delve into the highs and lows of her life and career. Gifford highlighted Jenner’s gratitude in the documentary, mentioning, “She’s on camera going, ‘I owe Kathie Lee my whole career,’” followed by a light-hearted quip, “I get blamed for it sometimes!”
The documentary is expected to be both personal and revealing, recounting Gifford’s struggles, including the serious accusations she faced in 1996 regarding the production of her clothing line under sweatshop conditions in Honduras. “That was one of the darkest years of my life,” she admitted. Gifford actively sought to address these issues, even speaking before Congress about her lack of awareness regarding sweatshop conditions.
Moreover, Gifford took her advocacy a step further by regularly visiting the White House for discussions on labour rights. In 1997, during one of those visits, President Bill Clinton announced a significant agreement aimed at improving labour practices in the clothing industry, underscoring Gifford’s commitment to social issues.
However, Gifford’s challenges did not end there. That same year, her personal life was thrust into the media spotlight when reports surfaced of infidelity involving her late husband, Frank Gifford. Despite the turmoil, the couple reconciled, demonstrating resilience in their marriage. “There’s not a day that goes by that somebody doesn’t come up to me and say, ‘I just want you to know I had separated from my husband, and I went back. We went for counselling. We healed our marriage,’” Gifford shared.
The documentary will also showcase Gifford’s impressive career trajectory, which began with her role on the show *Name That Tune* in 1977 and her subsequent hosting duties on shows like *Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee* and *Today*. Reflecting on her work ethic, Gifford remarked, “I have worked my entire life. My first job was when I was 6 years old. My daddy, we sold newspapers.”
With an unwavering faith guiding her, Gifford believes that authenticity is key to a fulfilling life. “I think the secret to being not just alive but thriving is authenticity,” she explained. She emphasised that her spiritual beliefs have always been intertwined with her public persona, stating, “I’ve never been a different person on camera as off.”
As Gifford looks towards her legacy, she hopes to be remembered not for her professional accolades but for her kindness and ability to bring joy to others. “If they only met me one time, they think, ‘She was kind. She made me laugh,’” she expressed.
For those interested in learning more about Kathie Lee Gifford’s life and career, her latest documentary promises to provide a closer look at the woman behind the camera. Fans can catch the full interview and more details in the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine, available now.