Kathie Lee Gifford: Finding Strength In Loss And Moving Forward Hoda Kotb says Kathie Lee Gifford is ‘living her best life’ five years

Kathie Lee Gifford: Finding Strength In Loss And Moving Forward

Hoda Kotb says Kathie Lee Gifford is ‘living her best life’ five years

Let me tell you about one of the strongest women I’ve ever had the privilege to know—Kathie Lee Gifford. When her beloved husband of 29 years, Frank Gifford, passed away in 2015 from natural causes, she didn’t wait for others to rush in and comfort her. Instead, this incredible woman took a deep breath and checked on everyone around her first. At 65 years old, Kathie Lee put her own pain aside to make sure her friends and family were okay. Talk about strength personified.

Frank’s passing was sudden, but Kathie Lee handled it with grace and faith. “I didn’t panic at all,” she shared in an interview with People. She recalled finding Frank on the morning of August 9, 2015, describing it as a peaceful moment despite the tragedy. It was Hoda Kotb’s birthday that day, and the sun was shining brightly outside. Yet, as Kathie Lee found her husband, she believed he had seen something far greater than anything on earth—he had met Jesus. “He was at peace,” she said. “He was in a better place.” Her unwavering faith gave her the strength to face such a profound loss.

kathie-lee-frank-gifford
Getty Images

How Kathie Lee Found Comfort in Tragedy

When news of Frank’s death spread among Kathie Lee’s loved ones, she did something remarkable—she spent her time comforting them. Her longtime cohost, Hoda Kotb, remembered that day vividly. “She spent most of her time comforting others that day,” Hoda said. “I was crying, and she told me, ‘It’s going to be fine.’” That’s just who Kathie Lee is—a rock for everyone around her, even during her darkest moments.

Read also:
  • Frys Food Feedback Survey The Ultimate Guide To Boost Your Shopping Experience
  • Hoda, now 54, realized just how resilient Kathie Lee truly is. “Kathie Lee has been through all the phases of life right in front of America,” Hoda explained. “We’ve watched her meet her husband, raise her children, and then witness the loss. You realize you’ve seen every phase of her life unfold, and now she’s stepping into a new chapter, pursuing new dreams.” It’s inspiring to see someone use their experiences to grow and evolve.

    A New Chapter: Leaving the TODAY Show

    In early April, Kathie Lee announced her departure from the TODAY show to explore new opportunities. Though she’s excited about what’s next, she’s also eager to embrace life’s simple joys. For Kathie Lee, that means enjoying a breathtaking sunset from a different corner of the world. This small yet meaningful act symbolizes her readiness to move forward while honoring her past.

    klg-frank-gofford
    Hoda Kotb says Kathie Lee Gifford is ‘living her best life’ five years
    Hoda Kotb says Kathie Lee Gifford is ‘living her best life’ five years

    Details

    Time Well Spent from Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb Take Italy | E! News
    Time Well Spent from Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb Take Italy | E! News

    Details

    Hoda Kotb Says Kathie Lee Gifford Is 'Happier Than She's Ever Been' as
    Hoda Kotb Says Kathie Lee Gifford Is 'Happier Than She's Ever Been' as

    Details