'Today' Stars Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager Make a Surprising On-Air Suggestion for Kathie Lee Gifford

Did Hoda Kotb accidentally spill major tea about her former co-host Kathie Lee Gifford's love life? After Monday's episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna, it certainly looks like it.

During the February 12 episode of the Today show, the longtime host chatted with Jenna Bush Hager and E! News host Justin Sylvester about ABC's confirmed Golden Bachelor spinoff, The Golden Bachelorette. As the trio discussed who could potentially star on the show when it airs this fall, Hoda and Jenna surprised viewers when they shared their top choice in unison.

"We have one," Hoda and Jenna told Justin on the air. "You know who it's going to be? We've already figured it out: Kathie Lee Gifford!"

"Do you not think it's great?" Jenna asked, as Justin appeared shocked by the thought of Kathie ever agreeing to star on the upcoming reality dating show. "There is not enough chardonnay in the world to get Kathie Lee there," Justin joked.

"You never know, she might," Hoda insisted. She then doubled down on why her longtime friend is an ideal candidate for the inaugural Golden Bachelorette. "She would be perfect. She would be a 10+ and she'd get her choice of all the men. You know how she is, all flirty and cute... She'd be fantastic," Hoda emphasized.

After Jenna chimed in to say that "this is unconfirmed," Hoda added, "Well, that's because we're starting to speak things into existence. We're saying the truth. That Kathie Lee would be fantastic."

"You guys could be her two friends that go on dates with her to help her pick out guys," Justin agreed. "They won't let us on ABC," Hoda teased, "but Kathie would be great."

Though we love Hoda as Kathie's wingwoman, the conversation left viewers with a major question about Kathie's love life. Hoda's on-air revelation seemingly implies that Kathie is no longer in a relationship with her reported boyfriend, Richard Spitz. The pair were last seen together in November 2023 going to a workout class, per The U.S. Sun.

While Kathie mentioned being in a relationship with a "nice and fun and healthy" man when appearing on Today in April 2021, she never revealed his name. She also chose not to reveal her mystery beau when speaking to People in August 2022 about life away from the public eye. "I've discovered that by not talking about it, it stays special," she told the outlet at the time.

Whether it was all banter or Kathie is actually single, one thing is for sure: If Kathie were to join Bachelor Nation, we'd certainly tune in.

You Might Also Like

• 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile

• The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper