Kathie Lee Gifford Discusses Hollywood Stars Seeking Comfort in Rural America

Kathie Lee Gifford Discusses Hollywood Stars Seeking Comfort in Rural America

Kathie Lee Gifford recently shared her insights on the rising trend of celebrities leaving Hollywood. The famed television personality has observed a significant shift as stars pursue simpler lives away from the glitz and glamor of the entertainment industry.

After her departure from the morning show “Today,” which films in New York City, the 71-year-old moved from Greenwich, Connecticut, to Franklin, Tennessee, in 2019. During an interview with Fox News Digital, Gifford expressed her thoughts on this celebrity migration toward more rural living.

The Search for Fulfillment

Gifford believes that many stars are realizing that their previous lifestyles do not offer true satisfaction. She remarked, “They’ve had the other, and it’s not fulfilling.” As a QVC ambassador, she attended the TikTok Super Brand Day event in Santa Monica, California, where she delved deeper into this topic.

“With wealth comes the ability to choose a different kind of lifestyle,” said Gifford. Many celebrities can now afford to live in picturesque rural areas, distancing themselves from the hustle of urban life. This shift reflects a broader desire for more meaningful, simplified living.

Finding Joy in Simplicity

Gifford’s own transition to country living has brought her immense happiness. “I have a little farm in Tennessee, as well as my home there,” she added. She lives near numerous celebrities who have vast estates, highlighting the contrast of her more modest 10-acre property.

After moving to Franklin, Gifford renovated her farm, creating a French-inspired retreat she named “Orval,” a tribute to the town where she was conceived. This property serves not only as her home but also as a memorial to her late parents, Aaron and Joan Epstein.

A Legacy for Future Generations

Gifford hopes to impart her family history to her descendants through her farm. She mentioned, “I want my children and grandchildren to know about them.” She plans to document her parents’ lives in a future book, emphasizing the richness of their experiences despite the hardships they faced.

“Each of them would have been a Dickens novel on their own,” Gifford reflected. She recounted how her parents overcame extreme adversities throughout their lives and how their faith played a pivotal role in their journey.

Gifford’s time living in Greenwich spanned over a decade, during which she raised her two children, Cody and Cassidy, and stood by her husband, NFL legend Frank Gifford, until his passing in 2015.

Loneliness and Finding New Roots

In a previous interview, Gifford spoke candidly about the loneliness that prompted her decision to leave Connecticut for Tennessee. After losing both her husband and her parents, she felt isolated in a memory-filled home devoid of the laughter and love that once filled it.

“That huge, beautiful, memory-filled home was like a morgue to me,” Gifford admitted. Struggling with the void left by her loved ones, she found solace in the rural lifestyle that Franklin offers.

Embracing New Opportunities

While Gifford fully embraces her life in Franklin, she still owns her home in Greenwich. Her son Cody, along with his wife Erika, currently resides there. Gifford expressed her joy in seeing her childhood home revitalized by Cody, who undertook significant renovations to preserve its legacy.

“My son is a smart one,” she said proudly. He and his family now enjoy the same memories she cherished with Frank, creating a sense of continuity for the next generation.

Balancing Heartache and Happiness

Despite the heartache that Gifford has experienced, she remains optimistic. Her daughter lives nearby in Tennessee and is expecting her second child, adding to the joy in Gifford’s life. “I know I’ve had great sadness in my life when I lost somebody that I love very much. But I know that I’m gonna see him again,” she said, firmly believing in an eternal bond with her loved ones.

Celebrating the Age of Possibility

Gifford was interacting with the media while attending QVC’s TikTok Super Brand Day, an event celebrating women over 50 and the opportunities life can present at any age. As a QVC ambassador for the Quintessential 50, she works alongside other inspirational women to advocate for a positive outlook on aging.

Alongside former co-host Hoda Kotb and several notable personalities, Gifford enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces at the event. She emphasized the importance of community and support among women, particularly as they navigate the complexities of life beyond the age of 50.

A Life Full of Surprises

Reflecting on her time with QVC, Gifford recounted her initial introduction to the shopping network. She quickly became a successful partner, selling out a beauty product in mere minutes during her first appearance. She continues to maintain a relationship with QVC, highlighting the platform’s commitment to empowering women.

“They’re an amazing organization,” she said, acknowledging the supportive community she has found there. Gifford’s journey from urban celebrity to rural delights emphasizes the appeal of personal peace, fulfillment, and legacy in an ever-changing world.