Kathryn Lee Gifford: A Lifetime of Faith, Fame, and Family
Kathie Lee Gifford, born Kathryn Lee Epstein on August 16, 1953, is one of the most recognizable figures in American television history. Her career spans decades, encompassing roles as a television presenter, singer, songwriter, actress, and author. She is best known for her iconic co-hosting roles that cemented her place in daytime TV.
Kathie Lee Gifford: Biographical Profile
- Full Name: Kathryn Lee Epstein (Gifford)
- Born: August 16, 1953 (Age 72 as of late 2025)
- Place of Birth: Paris, France
- Occupation: Television Presenter, Singer, Songwriter, Author, Actress
- First Husband: Paul Johnson (m. 1976; div. 1982)
- Second Husband: Frank Gifford (m. 1986; died 2015)
- Children: Cody Gifford (Son), Cassidy Gifford (Daughter)
- Grandchildren: Finn Thomas Gifford, Louis Gifford (via Cody and Erika Gifford)
- Notable Career Milestones: Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee (1985–2000), Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda (2008–2019)
- Awards: Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards
Her first marriage was to Christian music composer Paul Johnson, which lasted from 1976 to 1982. Her second, and most famous, marriage was to NFL Hall of Famer and sports commentator Frank Gifford. Their union lasted nearly 30 years, until Frank's death in 2015 at the age of 84. This period saw her rise to superstardom alongside Regis Philbin on the wildly popular morning show, *Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee*.
After leaving her show with Regis, she found a second act co-hosting the fourth hour of the *TODAY* show with Hoda Kotb, a partnership that became a cultural phenomenon due to their genuine chemistry and shared love of wine. She stepped away from the *TODAY* show in 2019 to pursue other creative endeavors, particularly filmmaking and music, often focusing on projects with a strong faith-based message.
Addressing the 'New Wife' Misconception and Relationship History
The query regarding Kathie Lee Gifford having a "new wife" is a complete fabrication, likely stemming from sensationalized clickbait or a misunderstanding of her post-widowhood dating life. Kathie Lee is a woman who was married twice to men, Frank Gifford and Paul Johnson. The idea of her having a "new wife" is entirely unfounded and contradicts her public statements and known personal history.
Following Frank Gifford’s passing, Kathie Lee was open about the difficulty of moving on but maintained a hopeful outlook on finding companionship. She often spoke about her faith and her children, Cody Gifford and Cassidy Gifford, who have both since married and started families, making her a proud grandmother.
For years, the public wondered if the former *TODAY* show host would ever remarry. She consistently stated that she was open to love but was not actively seeking it, trusting God's timing. This period of being a widow was a time of spiritual and creative growth for the author and singer, leading to new projects like the film *Then Came You* and her book, *The Jesus I Know*.
Kathie Lee Gifford's Post-Widowhood Love Life: Newly Single in 2025
The biggest news in Kathie Lee's romantic life in recent years was her relationship with a mystery man, later identified as businessman Richard Spitz. This was her first serious partner since Frank Gifford’s death a decade prior. The relationship generated significant media buzz, with fans eager to see the beloved star happy again.
The relationship with Richard Spitz was kept relatively private, though Kathie Lee occasionally shared details about her newfound happiness and the unexpected joy of dating later in life. She described him as a wonderful man who brought light back into her world. The fact that she was dating again was a major source of relief and excitement for her fans and former co-host Hoda Kotb.
However, as of April 2024, Kathie Lee revealed that the relationship had ended. Speaking about her current relationship status in the months that followed, she confirmed she was newly single. She explained that while she still holds deep affection for her ex-partner, the long-distance nature of their relationship and other factors ultimately led to their amicable split. She stated that it is "always hard because when you love someone, you love someone deeply."
The news of her breakup has once again placed her in the spotlight, with many speculating about her future. Despite the end of the relationship, the four-time Emmy award winner remains hopeful and focused on her family, including her grandchildren, Finn Thomas Gifford and Louis Gifford, and her creative work. She has not ruled out dating again but appears content in her current season of life, emphasizing that companionship, not marriage, is what she values most.
In summary, the sensational headlines about a "new wife" are entirely false. Kathie Lee Gifford has not remarried and is currently single, focusing on her faith, family, and flourishing career as an author and filmmaker. Her journey is a testament to finding love after loss and maintaining a positive outlook on life's unexpected turns.
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