Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford were married for 29 years before he passed away in 2015 at the age of 84. It was a Sunday morning, and Kathie Lee found him on the floor of the home that they shared together. The talk show host has always been open about her loss and how she continues to heal each day. Here’s Kathie Lee on being a widow, and why she won’t let that define her.
It’s no secret that Frank was significantly older than Kathie Lee by 23 years. Kathie reflects on this with such humor as she recalls her parents’ first impression of Frank! “They were hesitant. [He was] 23 years older… been married twice before… already a grandfather… It didn’t look right on paper–that’s for sure! But you know what? My first one looked perfect on paper, and it was a disaster!” Kathie Lee shared. She goes on to say that her parents immediately loved Frank, and joked that they were the same age–that they were peers.
Now, as the 3-year anniversary of his death nears, Kathie Lee is reflecting on life as a widow. “You have a moment where you just accept that you are a widow. It looks weird to you for the longest time. You don’t define yourself that way.” Kathie Lee shares that on the one-year anniversary of Frank’s passing, she moved her wedding ring from her left hand to her right. That was the moment that she was ready to not be defined by her husband’s death.
It’s obvious that the couple shared so much love for each other over the years, but I’m so glad that Kathie Lee has the strength to continue on and is still finding happiness.
Kathie Lee is such a strong woman and she truly is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for having the courage to share your story and help millions of others around the world on their journey to healing too.
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