According to USA Today, Philbin told Gifford just a few years ago, "There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about the 15 years we spent together and how much I loved you." For her part, the hostess with the infectious laugh said, "Everybody loves Regis." She also told Closer Weekly, "He's such a sweetheart. I love him to pieces."

The pair continued to spend time together in the years following their ABC gig. A friend compared the pair to army buddies, bonded for life, adding, "They genuinely like and love each other." Apparently, the chemistry between Philbin and Gifford was instant — they first met working together onThe Morning Show in 1985. Their working relationship spilled off-screen, and the duo reportedly spent time together with their respective spouses, Frank Gifford, and Joy Philbin, who also became close. Philbin was also by her side when Gifford's husband passed away five years ago.