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Although Hoda was missed today, Kathie Lee and fans understood that Lady Justice needed our fourth hour co-host (in other words: Hoda is on jury duty). But boy did we get a treat with today's show: Joanie, Kathie Lee's mom, subbed for Hoda.
Was she nervous? "No, as long as I don't faint," Joanie said during this morning's chat.
Did she get any advice from Hoda or the other anchors? Matt Lauer told Joanie to ask Kathie Lee if she had her merkin. Poor Joanie, unaware of what she was even asking, was finally clued in on what a merkin is, and saw Kathie Lee's (made by the TODAY show hair magicians).
Do you know what a merkin is? Well, neither does Kathie Lee Gifford's mom. See how the colorful TODAY host explains the new grooming trend to her own 81-year-old mother.
Once Kathie Lee's mom got over her shock, mother and daughter cut loose and showed off some of their dance moves (watch out, Feel-Good Granny: You've got some competition).
The fun and excitement didn't stop there, though. After constantly enduring Hoda's poppy music picks week after week, Kathie Lee decided it was her to turn to choose a playlist. Her pick: Barbara Stresiand doing "Someday."
Whose playlist did you prefer? Vote here.
Reunited and it feels so good
But the fun and excitement didn't stop once the chat was over. Later on in the show, Kathie Lee sat down with her former co-host and good friend Regis Philbin.
The two talked about Regis's new book "How I Got this Way," where "Koda Hotb" (Regis's nickname for Hoda) was, and what retired life is like.
Watch the video below to see Regis and Kathie Lee's sweet reunion and walk down Memory Lane.
Former daytime TV host Regis Philbin stops by to see former co-host Kathie Lee Gifford and talk about his new book, "How I Got This Way," and what he's been up to after retiring form "Live!"
Who else would you like to see co-host with Kathie Lee? Cody, Kelly Ripa, Frank, Jimmy Fallon? Tell us in the comments below.
Related: Who knows Kathie Lee better, Regis or her mom?
Has Anthony Mackie been crushing on Hoda for the last 18 years?
Hula hoop dance-off: KLG vs. Hoda vs. Florence Henderson
Leave a Comment:
your mom is absoutely beautiful !!! :)
Kathie Lee, is it possible for you to be any more awkward? What was the ever loving point of the merkin segment? Tacky. Exactly what I expect from a self absorbed, smarmy, loud mouth like you.
I had to change channels several times after trying to watch the hour with Kathie Lee and her mom. I mean really, I guess they couldn't find anyone else to fill in for Hoda? It was awful and I hope Today Show never makes this mistake again. I usually have the show on for background noise as I go about my day but literally was disturbed by this hack job of a show it was that irritating. I doubt my comments are worth anything, but this last show was so incredibly bad I had to voice my opinion and maybe if there are enough voices this won't happen again where Kathie Lee somehow manages to coerce the producers into allowing one of her family members to join her on air.
So sorry that those of us who love Joanie had to be embarrassed by the opening topic. Disgusting to have writing of segment choose such sickening opening lines to introduce such a lovely Christian lady with. Just a clue as to where Kathie Lee is willing to go to stay on TV talk show and sell books. Was also disappointed to read her last book and how she talked about her mother. We have to show honor to our parents and I don't think that Kathie Lee is doing that with her bawdy conversations. I missed it getting ready for a Dr appt with my granddaughter of six and I am glad we didn't tune in. Had posted it on FB and had no idea what the opening topic was. Very sad to see where Kathie Lee's stint on Today is taking her. Loss of purity has been the trade for popularity. Have wonderful memories of years of Regis and Kathie Lee. Have actually seen Joanie speak for CWC in the past. Praying for the entire family.
Wow! Is there no bottom to how low you're willing to go. Shame on you, Kathie Lee, for demeaning your mother with that ridiculous discussion and display of a merkin. I saw this embarassing exchange by accident. I generally turn off your segment of the Today Show since you seem to be obsessed with promoting the morning consumption of alcohol. (So clever of you to even name each day of the week after some sort of booze) Since I lost a husband to alcoholism and have a son battling the same horrible addiction, I fail to see any humor in this format. Did you ever think about the multitude of housewives with a drinking problem who might look at your show as condoning their behavior? Now you've stooped to showing a supposed wig for the female genitalia. What's next? Maybe some nipple or penis piercing would be good for a few laughs. "WAKE UP NnnnnnBC AND SMELL THE GARBAGE"
Amen, Carolee! Kathie and Hoda look like a couple of idiots yucking it up over their booze and booze jokes every morning. It's not funny. What is NBC thinking allowing them to act like such irresponsible morons?!
I really enjoyed the show. Love Kathie Lee's mom and it was great to see Regis and Kathie Lee reunited for a few minutes.