Fans mourn the loss of television legend Regis Philbin, who died on Friday, July 24, 2020. The tributes continue to honor the beloved talk show and game show host.
Philbin was known for his daily morning jokes with co-hosts Kathie Lee Gifford from 1985 to 2000, and Kelly Ripa from 2001 to 2011. Gifford has had a close relationship with Philbin since his onscreen collaboration. He recently shared his thoughts on the loss of his dear friend.
Regis Philbin’s family breaks the news
Philbin is survived by his wife Joy, whom he married in 1970, and three daughters. In a statement Saturday, Philbin’s family shared the news of his death.
“We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night from natural causes, a month before his 89th birthday,” the statement read, according to CNN. “His family and friends are always grateful for the time we spend with him, for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his unique ability to make every day something worth talking about.”
His family requested privacy during this time so that they could cry in peace. “We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support during his 60-year career and we ask for privacy as we mourn his loss,” the statement read.
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Kathie Lee Gifford writes emotional tribute
Upon entering Instagram shortly after Philbin’s death, Gifford wrote an emotional memorial honoring his friend and former colleague.
“There are no words to fully express the love I have for my precious friend, Regis. I just adored him and every day with him was a gift, ”Gifford captioned a photo of the couple. “We spent 15 years together joking, arguing and giggling. A tradition and friendship that we share to this day ”.
Gifford expressed how Philbin delighted everyone who knew him with his distinctive sense of humor. First Today The co-host is comforted to learn that Philbin was a man of faith.
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“I smile knowing that somewhere in the sky, right now, you are making someone laugh,” Gifford wrote. “It comforts me greatly to know that he had a personal relationship with his Lord that brought him great peace. I send all the love from my heart to Joy, her children, the rest of her family and the countless people she touched during her legendary life. There has never been anyone like her. And there never will be. “
A final gift for Kathie Lee Gifford
Appearing in the Today is the show On the Monday after Philbin’s death, Gifford’s friend and former co-host Hoda Kotb asked him what he will miss most about the television legend.
“Everything,” she said tearfully to Kotb in Today. “I was so thankful that the Lord gave me that last time. And it was so valuable because when I spoke to Joy the day I found out just after his passing, he said, ‘Kathie, he hadn’t laughed in a long, long time. … I was so worried about him. … The day we came to lunch with you was the last time I heard him laugh. “
Gifford has that memory close to his heart today. “That will forever be a precious gift that the Lord gave me,” he revealed, “that I laughed again with one of my best friends in all my life.”
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Gifford’s love for Philbin was clearly mutual. In April 2019, she recorded a special message for Gifford on her last day as a co-host of Today.
“Kathie Lee, you want to know that the best part of my life, my television life, was the 15 years I spent with you,” he said in his tribute. “I want you to know how I will always remember the good times we had working together and how you are as a person, just great.”
Philbin will be missed by his family, friends and fans.
