Kathie Lee Gifford

Kathryn Lee Gifford (born Kathryn Lee Epstein on August 16, 1953 in Paris, France) is an American television presenter, singer, songwriter, actress and author whose career spans more than five decades. Raised in Bowie, Maryland, she was born to musically inclined parents—her mother Joan Cuttell, a singer, and her father Aaron Epstein, a Navy veteran and musician—giving her early exposure to performance and faith; after seeing the Billy Graham film The Restless Ones at age twelve she became a born‑again Christian, a theme that recurs throughout her music and writing. Gifford first appeared on national television as Tom Kennedy’s singing sidekick on Name That Tune in the late 1970s, later joining the short‑lived Hee Haw Honeys and working as a substitute anchor on Good Morning America. Her breakthrough came in 1985 when she was tapped to co‑host The Morning Show with Regis Philbin; the program evolved into Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee and made her a household name through witty banter, memorable anecdotes about family life, and a signature style that blended warmth with professionalism. After twelve successful years she left the show in 2000 to explore Broadway and occasional guest hosting, notably on The Late Show with David Letterman. In 2008 Gifford returned to morning television as co‑host of the fourth hour of Today alongside Hoda Kotb, a partnership that earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations and a win in 2010. Beyond television she has released several music albums, authored numerous books ranging from autobiographies to children’s stories, and contributed lyrics to Broadway productions such as Saving Aimee. Her personal life includes two marriages—first to composer Paul Johnson (1976‑1982) and then to legendary NFL player and sportscaster Frank Gifford (1986‑2015)—and two children, Cody and Cassidy. Gifford’s later career focuses on film acting, producing, and philanthropic work, highlighted by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021 and continued advocacy for child‑help charities. Her enduring legacy reflects a rare blend of entertainment talent, spiritual conviction, and commitment to social causes.