Kathy Lee Gifford Reflects on Celebrity Exodus from Hollywood
Kathy Lee Gifford has recently addressed the trend of celebrities leaving Hollywood for quieter, rural lifestyles. In an interview, she shared her perspective on why more stars are making this choice. Gifford, 71, experienced a significant life change when she moved from Greenwich, Connecticut, to Franklin, Tennessee, in 2019.
While attending QVC’s TikTok Super Brand Day in Santa Monica, she remarked on how wealth allows these celebrities to pursue different kinds of living arrangements. “They’ve got a lot of money, and by that, they can choose a better lifestyle,” she noted.
Fellow actress Chrissy Metz, known for her role in “This Is Us,” echoed Gifford’s sentiments. She left Hollywood after two decades and has since found what she calls a “better quality of life” in Tennessee. Metz mentioned that she now enjoys a small farm next to a large estate, emphasizing her happiness there.
Gifford has also transformed her property in Franklin into a French-style farm, which she named “Orbal,” a tribute to a place in France. Speaking fondly, she revealed that the farm is meant to honor her late parents, Aaron and Joan Epstein, hoping that her grandchildren will learn about their heritage there. She mentioned plans for a book dedicated to her parents, saying their life stories could fill a Dickens novel with their challenges.
Reflecting on her past, Gifford shared feelings of loneliness after her children left home and following the death of her husband, Frank Gifford, in 2015. “I moved here because I was almost dying of loneliness,” she confessed, explaining how her once-filled home turned into a stark reminder of her losses.
Despite her shift to Franklin, Gifford still maintains her home in Greenwich, which her son Cody and his wife now inhabit. She expressed pride in the renovations they’ve made, noting how meaningful it is to see them create memories in a space that was once her family home.
At the event, Gifford joyfully recounted moments with her children and how they continue to thrive in their lives. She remains optimistic about the future, connecting her past experiences of loss with the hope of reunion someday.
As she mingled at QVC’s event, Gifford also reflected on her long-standing relationship with the shopping network, discussing how it began with a successful beauty product line. Their partnership has flourished, and she appreciates the supportive environment at QVC.
In her characteristic upbeat manner, Gifford continues to navigate both her personal journey and professional endeavors, embodying resilience and a commitment to family.
