KATHIE LEE GIFFORD
THE TODAY CO-HOST IS STAYING STRONG — AND BUSY — TWO YEARS AFTER LOSING FRANK
How she’s moving on from the loss of husband Frank Gifford.
Frank Gifford’s been gone almost two years, but his memory is alive and well thanks to wife Kathie Lee — and her trademark sense of humor. “Even on the day that man passed, one week shy of his 85th birthday — still the greatest tight end in the world,” the 63-yearold Today co-host joked to Hoda Kotb about her better half’s admirable assets.
All kidding aside, it was love at first sight for Kathie Lee. “We started out as friends, and we had a great love affair. That never changed,” she tells Closer of the power of her 28-year marriage. Readjusting to life on her own after Frank’s August 2015 death has been a challenge. While son Cody and daughter Cassidy have been a great support, her work has been as well. “Having a full-time job has been a true godsend,” an insider tells Closer, “because it gives her a purpose.”
Adds longtime friend
Nikki Haskell, “She loves what she does, and that gives her the strength to carry on.
She’s working harder now than ever.”
In fact,
Kathie Lee returned to her NBC morning show just a week after Frank’s death, much to the delight of her co-workers. “Kathie Lee’s sense of humor keeps things light” at Today, the insider shares. “The set’s such a fun place to be when she’s there. It’s constant laughter and silly pranks.”
Kathie Lee also relies on her faith to persevere. “She spends a lot of time praying,” Nikki reveals, “and when anyone brings up Frank, she says he’s in a better place.”
And no matter how busy her days get
— she launched her GIFFT line of wines in 2014 and is working on a film adaptation of a musical she wrote — Cody and Cassidy always remain a top priority. “There’s nothing better than time with them,” Kathie Lee insists. Although both are currently living on the West Coast, “they are able to visit frequently and they call or video chat with her daily,” the insider says. “They’re a closelyknit family,” Nikki confirms to Closer, “and they’ve given her a lot of support.”
For that, Kathie Lee is perhaps most grateful to Frank. “My children make me a better person every day,” she says. “I am truly the most blessed woman on
the Earth.” – Ron Kelly
FAITH AND FAMILY