Kathie Lee Gifford last saw Regis Philbin just two weeks ago, in what would become her last meeting with her close friend before her death.
Gifford, who worked with Philbin from 1985 to 2000 on “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee,” said that during her recent lunch she sadly “felt much more fragility than she had last seen in January in Los Angeles. “
“I was in Tennessee where I live most of the time and of course the first call I always make is to Regis and Joy [Philbin]”Gifford said on the Monday episode of” Today “.” I said, ‘Can we get together, can we have lunch?’ So they came about two weeks ago. “
Gifford, who like the Philbins also has a home in Connecticut, said: “We just had the best time. But after the Philbins left,” I thought to myself, ‘Sir, is this the last time I go to see my friend? ‘ Because he was failing, I realized.
Then Gifford said “something said to him” the other day to go back to the east coast again.
“I got on a plane, went home, and immediately heard the news about Regis. I called Joy right away, talked to her, ”said Gifford, 66.
Philbin died of natural causes on Friday at the age of 88.
Gifford said he visited Joy, Philbin’s wife of 50, on Sunday, when they “remembered for a moment.”
“I was grateful to spend time with them, comfort them a little, let them know that I believe with all my heart that I know where Regis is and I know who he is with because I had many, many conversations with him. the years of faith, and where we are going when this life is over, and he was very curious, as always, “said Gifford.
Gifford added that she was “so grateful” for having that final time with Philbin.
“And it was so valuable because when I spoke to Joy the day I found out just after he passed away, she said, ‘Kathie, she hadn’t laughed in a long, long time.’ She said, ‘I was so worried about him.'” Gifford said.
On Saturday, Gifford posted an emotional tribute to Philbin on Instagram, stating: “There has never been anyone like him.” And there never will be. “
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