Kathie Lee Gifford gets emotional in her Today farewell

USA Today

Gifford referenced a Bible verse in saying goodbye to Today's 10 a.m. hour after 11 years. Hoda Kotb and the Today staff sent her off with a drink, dubbed the farewell fizz with champagne, and special performances by Flo Rida and Barry Manilow, plus Dean Cain dressed as a fox. When Gifford asked her partner why the show has worked, Kotb said, "I think it's because of you." Regis Philbin sent in a video message. "Kathie Lee, you want to know the best part of my life — my TV life — was the 15 years I spent with you,” said her former Live! co-host. “I want you to know how I will always remember the great times that we had working together and how you are as a person, just great.” Gifford got especially emotional when her kids -- 29-year-old Cody and 25-year-old Cassidy -- appeared in a video message. "She’s one of the kindest people on the planet," said Cassidy. Gifford ended her final hour by quoting a Bible verse. "Jeremiah 29 says, 'I know the plans I have (for) you, declares the Lord,'" she said, getting choked up, "'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.' That’s not just true for me, you guys, that's true for everybody watching. Trust Him. Let Him love you like He wants to love you," she continued. "Like I am loved by all of you." ALSO: Howard Stern sent former nemesis Kathie Lee a huge bouquet of roses.