Kathie Lee Gifford Joins "Today"

(CBS/AP)  Kathie Lee Gifford is returning to morning television as a co-anchor of the "Today" show's fourth hour.

Gifford will join anchor Hoda Kotb on April 7.

The announcement was made on the NBC show Monday morning.

Ann Curry will continue her role as news anchor of the 7 to 9 a.m. hours of "Today," as well as co-host, with Al Roker, of the 9 a.m. hour. Natalie Morales will join Curry and Roker as a third co-host at 9 a.m. Morales will also continue to serve as national correspondent for "Today" and all platforms of NBC News.

Gifford says it's the right time for her to go back to TV because her children are grown. Her son Cody is going off to college this fall and her daughter Cassidy is a teenager.

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Photos: Celebrity Circuit

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She jokes that she had to get out of the house because she was tired of watching her husband Frank Gifford's "old highlight films in black and white."

Gifford also joked about her timing, returning when she's "eight years older, ten pounds heavier, a half-inch shorter, just in time for HD television."

Gifford left "Live With Regis and Kathie Lee" eight years ago.

In a message on her Web site, Gifford said that she has found the years since leaving morning TV "rich, challenging and incredibly rewarding," but that she'd only come back to the small screen if the "right thing" came along.

"The Today Show is the crown jewel of morning television and has been for decades," Gifford wrote. "I'm deeply honored that NBC has asked me to join their talented family, many of whom have been friends of mine for years."

Gifford also said she's looking forward to co-hosting the hour with Hotb.

"She is warm, funny, smart and really interested in all the things that I am that affect our lives and the lives of the people we love," she said.

[gailzawacki]

Kathie Lee is a disgrace to CBS News. There are good stories but she is dominating, gossipy rude, inappropriate and a challenge to watch. You could do so much better. She is certainly not the good role model journalist, tv personality that I would want my daughter, or any one to aspire.

[debrap4]

I usually enjoy Hooda and Kathie Lee, however Kathie Lee the majority of the time seems to want to dominate the show. Many of her comments to Hooda seem rude and deameaning often expressing her opinion of Hooda's personal or private life. Also, I am wondering if we have to watch them drink every day. What a message! By the end of the show they are obviously a bit lit with all the giggling and chit chat. They should be able to enjoy what they are doing and provide information without sipping as mixed drinks on tv.

[misssuzq]

P.S.

How is it that Matt and Meredith work only the two 0r 3 hours a day on TV?

Sure, now you are going to tell me that they get up at 4 AM. Boo-hoo.

There are plenty of people that get up long before their start time but work at LEAST 8 hours a day for their pitiful pay, whereas these two make a bundle.

[misssuzq]

Looks like I will find something else to watch or rub dead skin off of my feet.

[kisskillme]

Kathy is hot at __agemingle.com__recently, many hot guys wanna talk to her! she''s soo attractive on that dating site!
u guys can have a look!

[csp5727]

I have been a loyal watcher of the today show for many years. With the addition of Kathy Lee Gifford to the show I will never watch it again. I just cannot stand that woman. The ONLY other person I feel that way about is Rosie O''Donnell. I am a person who likes most people. You are going to lose viewers.

[bobbie19571]

Welcome back to TV Kathie Lee, The people on this blog are really stupid, judgmental and just mean spirited. I enjoyed you and Regis together.
The best of luck on your new endeavor.I will be watching.

[reddboots]

Wow, you people are judgmental as h,e, double-toothpicks!!! Do you really think anyone really cares what your opinion of her is? - particularly when it''s that ugly. Get over yourselves and find a more constructive way to spend your time.

[tomanyt]

Oh but why is Kathy back????? Nobody likes her anyway. If you need a laugh, check out one of Kathy''s CD''s.

[godofredo29]

It would be nice if now they would come up with a Today Show/Good Morning America/CBS Morning Show/Despierta America (Univision) for male viewers. These shows not only all cater to female viewers but they even airbrush out stuff that might have to do with men (e.g., Nancy Snyderman''s piece on osteoporosis). I''ve heard that anchors like Matt Lauer, Al Roker, Lester Holt, Chris Cuomo, Harry Smith all had to agree to undergo castrations before they would be allowed to be in the cast (get it, cast..tration).