Let's raise our wine glasses to Kathie Lee Gifford, who's exiting the fourth hour of NBC's "Today" April 5 to turn her attention to movies. "It’s not that I wanted to leave the 'Today' show," she tells USA TODAY. "I just had to leave if I wanted to actually fulfill lifetime dreams I have that I’m running out of time for." Dreams she's had since she was a child. "I’ve wanted to be in writing and producing and starring in movies since I was a small girl when I wrote a letter to Walt Disney and said, 'I want to make movies with you.'" Gifford, 65, has been at Hoda Kotb's side for nearly 11 years, a decade longer than she'd planned. She says she "came kicking and screaming" to the morning show she revealed she'd be leaving in December. Her late husband, football player turned sports commentator Frank Gifford, persuaded her to give it a year. "By that time I’d fallen in love with Hoda, and a couple of years in I was in love with everybody that I worked with there," Gifford says. "Nicest group of people I’ve ever, ever worked with." She hesitated because she feared her best TV years were captured on the syndicated "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee," which she hosted with Regis Philbin from 1985 to 2000. "I thought I’d done the best television I could possibly do. Regis and I did 15 years together, and we changed the face of daytime television forever," she says. "We really did...(Philbin is) a master at it, and I felt very grateful to be a part of history." For her second morning show exit, Gifford predicts she won't be crying hysterically. "I certainly won’t bawl like a baby," she says. "I’ve been in this business too long, and it’s not like I’m dying, and it’s not like I’m never gonna see these lovely people ever again. I’m leaving one particular job and one particular building for something that I’ve been wanting to do my whole life, and I have so much to look forward to. So it’s not a sad thing for me." That is not to say she doesn't treasure the co-host she leaves behind, whom she describes as "liquid sunshine in a bottle." "There’s not a false bone in her body. There’s not a mean bone in her body," Gifford says. "She’s incredibly smart and brilliant, but she’s childlike, too, in the best sense of the word: about life, about wonder, the wonder of life, especially since she’s become a mother. She’s an amazing mother." More:Kathie Lee Gifford reveals what Regis Philbin said about her 'Today' exit Though Gifford says she "would like to think that Hoda and I built something that will last," she understands her replacement Jenna Bush Hager and Kotb, 54, will "make the show completely their own." "Everybody’s replaceable in this world, and I have no delusions about that," Gifford says. Her advice for Bush Hager is more of an affirmation. "One day I just said, 'Jenna, I know you haven’t asked me for any advice, but I just want to tell you one thing: You got this job because you earned it,' " she recalls. " 'You showed up here every day an authentically beautiful human being. Everyone fell in love with you, and then you did the work.' " Gifford vows Kotb will remain a dear friend (as Philbin is) "until the day I die." In fact, after their final show, the two (with others) plan to fly to Gifford's new home in Nashville, Tennessee, for "a girls' weekend." While Gifford says her primary residence will be the Connecticut home where she raised her kids – Cody, 29, and Cassidy, 25, who now live in Los Angeles – her new home keeps her from "mooching off my lovely friends." She describes Nashville as the "most delightful place in the whole world," where a dinner party can turn into a "jam session." "The next thing you know, we've written a song, two days later we're in the studio recording it, a week later I'm putting it in one of my movies," she says. "It's so kinetic; it's just exciting." Gifford says she filmed three movies this past year, including "Then Came You" and "A Godwink Christmas," which aired on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries last November. She says she has seven more in development. Four are follow-ups to "Then Came You," a movie she wrote and stars in with Craig Ferguson filmed in Scotland. Gifford describes "Then Came You" as a "romantic comedy for people who’ve given up on romance." She began Widow's Peak Pictures to make movies for people who've lost their spouses, an audience she feels is being overlooked. Will life imitate art for Gifford? Does she see love in her future? "Well, dating doesn’t excite me. Who wants to date?" she says, "I’m open to love in any way it comes to my life, sure." She says she's looking for something different from her past. "You know, I was married to a man (who) is intimidating to an awful lot of men. Frank Gifford was 10 men. He’s in eight halls of fame," she says. "I’ve been told by certain people through the years, 'Who could ever fill Frank’s cleats?' And my answer always is, 'No one can, and that’s not what I’m looking for.' I’m certainly not looking for a repeat of what I’ve already had in life." Gifford's life is still filled with passion, she says, and she "can't imagine" a day when she'd actually retire. "I’ve been working since I was 10 years old in this business," starting out as a singer, she says. "It’s not that I’m a workaholic. It’s just that I follow my passion, and I do so many different things in this business," she says. "If I was just doing one thing every single day, then maybe I’d say I want to retire." She calls her directorial debut, short film "The God Who Sees," filmed in Israel and also to be released on April 5, the same day as her "Today" exit via GodWhoSees.com, a career highlight. “I always used to say to people, I know two things in life: I know Jesus loves me, and I know morning TV," she says. "And hopefully I'm learning about movies.” More:Kathie Lee Gifford talks 'crippling loneliness' of losing her husband and mother<doc-sep>Our editors independently selected these items because we think you will enjoy them and might like them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY . It's officially Kathie Lee Gifford's last week at TODAY. So what better way to mark the occasion than with one final edition of Favorite Things? Kathie Lee and Hoda shared some of the products they're loving for the month of April and beyond. With picks ranging from clothes to books to skin care, our favorite ladies have great recommendations for every area of your life. Read on for the dynamic duo's full list. We should note that these products were independently chosen by the TODAY anchors. The anchors are not paid to mention them and are unaffiliated with these brands. The products are simply some of their favorite things. Kathie Lee and Hoda's Favorite Things for April 1. Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme, $28, Sephora This leave-in smoothing cream can solve almost any hair woe. Whether your strands need strengthening, hydrating or moisturizing, this product can do it all — while also removing frizz and protecting your strands. It's safe for all hair types, including colored and chemically treated hair, and with over 10,000 loves on Sephora, it's no surprise this is one of their favorites. 2. "Point of View," by Elisabeth Hasselbeck, $15, Amazon Elisabeth Hasselbeck spent nearly two decades working in broadcasting, and she learned quite a bit about the importance of a point of view in any situation — whether she was talking with her supervisors, working on an interview or, most importantly, trying to understand the intentions of God. In this memoir, she invites readers to join her on her journey of discovery, and maybe make discoveries of their own along the way. 3. "Transformed," by Remi Adeleke, $18, Amazon Remi Adeleke knows something about beating the odds. Whether it's growing up in a single-parent household, losing everything to the Nigerian government or serving as a Navy SEAL, he's always found a way to overcome, pushing himself beyond anyone else's limits. In this searing memoir, he chronicles his youth and career in a way sure to inspire readers. 4. "Riding the Elephant," by Craig Ferguson, $18, Amazon Craig Ferguson has made a career out of succeeding when he should have failed — and sometimes vice versa. This memoir, made of lyrical essays that chronicle Ferguson's life and career, provides a look into his unique way of thinking and shows how even when life takes an unusual turn, there's always something positive around the next corner. 5. "Little Black Sheep" by Ashley Cleveland, $9, Amazon This memoir, by a new friend of Kathie Lee's, takes you through the Grammy winner's journey overcoming drug addiction and the faith that gave pain new purpose. 6. Be Good to People Classic Long Sleeve Fitted Tee, $34, Be Good to People This classic long-sleeved shirt has a clean silhouette, a comfy fit and a mantra that we love. Whether you're using it as a reminder or just trying to put more positivity out into the world, this unisex cotton shirt is the perfect addition to any closet. 7. Block Print Napkins and Tablecloths, $20+, August Table We love every one of these linens from August Table. With tons of patterns, colors and styles, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking to add colorful details with a new kitchen towel or need a tablecloth to give your dining room a whole new look, there's a pick for you. 8. Rose Eau de Toilette, $59, L'Occitane en Provence This delicate fragrance is perfect for anyone looking to establish a signature scent. With a light floral formula that recalls the famed French roses of Provence, mixed with green and fruity notes, you'll want to wear this perfume forever. 9. Rose Body Lotion, $29, L'Occitane en Provence This hydrating lotion leaves skin soft and scented with the same delicate fragrance as the Rose Eau de Toilette. With its light and creamy formula, this lotion will leave your skin refreshed. 10. Julia Jordan Halter Jumpsuit, $70+, Amazon The original jumpsuit from Roz & Ali is no longer available, so we found this look-alike. With a fun neckline and zipper closure, it's stylish and sturdy, and is constructed with the holy grail of jumpsuits: pockets! Available in six colors, it's almost impossible not to find one you love. For more of Kathie Lee and Hoda's Favorite Things, check out some of these past picks: To discover more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations, subscribe to our Stuff We Love newsletter!<doc-sep>Kathie Lee Gifford on loaning pal Kris Jenner money: 'I want that money back' Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Kathie Lee Gifford wants Kris Jenner to pay back the money she loaned her from back when times were hard. The departing Today show star, 65, revealed to People that before Jenner, 63, made her family famous with Keeping Up with the Kardashians, she badly needed help. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Kathie Lee Gifford on loaning pal Kris Jenner money: 'I want that money back' Back to video “Kris was having financial problems,” Gifford said to the magazine. “I loaned Kris money years ago because they needed it. They were really struggling.” Veteran co-host Gifford, who is leaving her job on Today this week, laughed, “I want that money back!” Gifford and Jenner have been friends for years, starting in the 1970s when they were both living in California. When Jenner’s husband transitioned into a woman, Caitlyn, Gifford revealed to Today viewers in 2015, “This was new to Kris. She’s trying to get her act together. She’s trying to be a good friend to (her). Trying to still be a good parent. And it’s complicated in ways that we cannot even comprehend.”<doc-sep>
Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window) Kathie Lee Gifford is bidding the Big Apple farewell. After she leaves the “Today” show in early April after 11 years, Gifford, 65, will be moving to Nashville, where she’s already bought a home. “Even if you’re just having a dinner party there, invariably people end up at your piano or taking your guitar off the wall, and next thing you know, you’ve written a song and you’re in the studio the next week doing a demo,” she told People of her next step. She currently resides in Greenwich, Connecticut. Gifford, who has written a few musicals and has a new Christian film coming out this month, plans to focus on her music and acting after she leaves morning news. “The work that I want to do isn’t here anymore,” she said of New York and life at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. “I am an artist, I’m an actress, I’m a writer, I’m a songwriter, a director now. That’s the stuff that feeds my soul and I know that I’m running out of time to do those things.” Hoda Kotb’s longtime TV partner said that her work was the only thing keeping her on the East Coast, as both of her children live in Los Angeles. “I’ve become a widow, an orphan and an empty-nester all at once,” she said, referring to husband Frank Gifford’s 2015 passing and her mother’s 2017 death. “There’s nothing really keeping me in this part of the country anymore except for my job.” Her final “Today” show episode airs on April 7.