Kathie Lee Gifford overcome with emotion as she talks difficult goodbyes on Regis Philbin’s birthday

Kathie Lee Gifford has paid tribute to her most iconic costar, the late Regis Philbin, acknowledging that it “never gets easier to say goodbye” as she celebrated what would have been his 92nd birthday. 

“Missing you everyday Regis, still. So grateful for everything you meant in my life,” Kathie captioned her submit on Instagram, which featured the opening credit to the very first episode of Live with Regis and Kathie they hosted collectively in 1988. 

After the credit rolled, Regis opened the present by welcoming the viewers and sharing: “It’s Monday September 5, 1988 and the beginning of a brand new talk show across America.”  Between 1983 and 1988 the present aired in New York City on native stations, however went nationwide in 1988 with Regis and Kathie. 

“I watched you two every morning as a young mom with babies. It made me laugh & enjoy my coffee,” commented one fan on the submit, as one other added: “The best talk show team of all time. No one has come close to replicating the chemistry the two of you had!”

© Newsday LLC

“You two were the very best! Regis….a class act and an icon. You…class act and genuine. There’ll never be another Regis and Kathie Lee. That mold was broken. Thanks for entertaining us and keeping it wholesome and hilarious!” shared a 3rd. 

They hosted it collectively for 12 years till Kathie left in 2000, explaining that she was able to put her focus on different endeavors, and she was changed by Kelly Ripa who hosted with Regis till 2011 when he retired from the ABC present. 

© Bruce Glikas

Regis handed away on July 25 2020 after struggling a coronary heart assault on the age of 88. The Who Wants to be a Millionaire? host had been residing in Greenwich, Connecticut, with his spouse Joy from 2008 till shortly earlier than his passing, with the pair promoting their $4.015million dwelling in an effort to be nearer to their youngsters in California. 

His passing led to an outpouring of grief from family and friends, with Kathie writing on the time: “There are no words to fully express the love I have for my precious friend, Regis. I simply adored him and every day with him was a gift. We spent 15 years together bantering and bickering and laughing ourselves silly—a tradition and a friendship we shared up to this very day.”

© Getty Images

She continued: “I smile knowing somewhere in Heaven, at this very moment, he’s making someone laugh. It brings me great comfort knowing that he had a personal relationship with his Lord that brought him great peace. 

“I ship all of the love in my coronary heart to Joy, to his youngsters, to the remainder of his household and to the innumerable folks he touched over his legendary life. There has by no means been anybody like him. And there by no means will probably be.”

Get the lowdown on the most important, hottest superstar information, options and profiles popping out of the U.S.  Sign as much as our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.