Frank Gifford and Kathie Lee Gifford arrive at the funeral service for Marvin Hamlisch in 2012. Frank Gifford passed away on August 9, 2015. (Getty)
Kathie Lee Gifford’s husband, Frank Gifford, passed away at 84 of natural causes. Kathie Lee, 61, is popular for co-hosting the morning show TODAY and for her previous shows, including Regis and Kathie Lee. She has been the subject of rumors and news over recent years.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford Were Married Since 1986
Kathie Lee Gifford (L) and husband Frank Gifford attend the City of Hope-East End Chapter 2010 Spirit of Life Award luncheon at Waldorf Astoria – Grand Ballroom on April 26, 2010. Frank Gifford passed away on August 9, 2015. (Getty)
Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford were married in 1986. They had met in 1982 while Kathie Lee was working on Good Morning America, Variety reported. She often talked about her personal life and her husband while on camera. Frank Gifford died unexpectedly of natural causes on Sunday, August 9, at their Connecticut home. Details on Frank Gifford’s funeral have not yet been released. Kathie Lee posted a heartfelt thanks on Twitter for the outpouring of love she’s received since Frank’s death.
Deeply grateful to all 4 ur outpouring of grace. We r steadfast in our faith & finding comfort in knowing where Frank is. Phillippians 4:13.
He and Kathie Lee had two children, Cody and Cassidy. Frank also had three children, Jeff, Kyle, and Victoria, from a previous marriage.
2. Kathie Lee Has a Successful History Hosting Talk Shows
Kathie Lee Gifford, her husband Frank Gifford and Hoda Kotb attend the 3rd annual Celebration of Hope May 20, 2010. Kathie Lee co-hosts the Today show with Kotb. Frank Gifford passed away in August 2015. (Getty)
Kathie Lee currently stars on the fourth hour of the TODAY morning show, with her co-host Hoda Kotb. In January, there were rumors that she was leaving the show after a spat with NBC News president Deborah Turness, but she did not leave the morning show.
Kathie Lee has worked on many shows during her successful career. Most notably, she co-hosted Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee from 1988 until 2000. In addition to hosting talk shows, Kathie Lee has many other interests. In July, she launched a new GIFFT wine: Pinot Noir Rose. She also works as a celebrity spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line.
3. She May Be Co-Hosting Again with Regis Soon
Joy Philbin, Regis Philbin, Kathy Lee Gifford and Frank Gifford attend the New York Giants Super Bowl Pep Rally Luncheon at Michael’s on February 1, 2012. Frank Gifford passed away in August 2015. (Getty)
The popular pair, Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee, will be getting back together on television soon. In July, Kathie Lee and Kotb announced that Regis would be joining them on TODAY once a month, EW reported.
4. Her Reactions to Caitlyn Jenner’s Transformation and Bill Cosby’s Scandal Made National News
Kathie Lee is a long-time close friend of Caitlyn Jenner’s. They have been close friends for 35 years. In July, she spoke honestly about the tough time she had adjusting to the news and the “new” Caitlyn, TODAY reported. She talked about how they spoke on the phone and it was strange hearing the same voice, but knowing the person was now Caitlyn and not Bruce. She said that even though they were close, she had no idea the news was coming, but she is supportive of Caitlyn’s decisions.
In December, Kathie Lee and Kotb talked about Bill Cosby’s allegations on TODAY. Kathie Lee said that she, along with many other Americans, didn’t want the allegations to be true, Us Weekly reported. She talked about when she toured with Cosby in the 1970s and admitted that he had once tried to kiss her. She told him no and he accepted it and did not bother her again, she said. She said that she wasn’t claiming the allegations were true, but she never saw it personally.
5. Her Net Worth Is Near 20 Million
Frank Gifford (L)and Kathie Lee Gifford attend Literacy Partners 26th annual Evening of Readings gala in 2010. Frank Gifford passed away on August 9, 2015. (Getty)
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Kathie Lee’s net worth is $20 million. She’s active in philanthropy, especially working with Childhelp supporting shelters for babies born with HIV or cocaine addiction.
In August, TODAY shared an online story about Kathie Lee’s favorite spot, her backyard in Connecticut. The touching story shows a beautiful, lash landscape with a view of the Manhattan skyline. The article features photos of her in the backyard with one of her adorable family dogs.
