Kathie Lee Gifford, the beloved co-anchor of The Morning Show, has had an incredible and successful career that has spanned across various platforms. But her talents extend beyond television; she is a talented writer and author of children’s books. Her warm personality and relatable presence on screen have made her a household name to many, especially those who remember her alongside Regis Philbin.
But Kathie Lee’s journey hasn’t been just about her professional life. Her personal life has had its ups and downs too, capturing the public’s attention. She has experienced the joy of a lasting marriage and the disappointment of a failed one. Today, we’ll take a closer look at Kathie Lee Gifford’s two marriages and her current love life.
Kathie Lee Gifford: Early Life and Deep Faith
Kathie Lee Gifford was born on August 16, 1953, in Paris, France. She had a unique upbringing, as her father served as an American naval officer and jazz saxophonist, while her mother transitioned from being a naval secretary to a radio singer. Kathie Lee and her siblings had the opportunity to live in different countries before finally settling in Bowie, Maryland.
Religion played a significant role in Kathie Lee’s early life. Coming from a family with both Jewish and Christian backgrounds, she attended Methodist Sunday school. However, her personal faith journey took a significant turn when, at the age of 12, she became a Christian after watching a film by renowned evangelist Billy Graham.
From a young age, Kathie Lee knew she wanted to pursue a career as an actress and singer. She believed that God was guiding her every step of the way. At the age of 17, she won her state Junior Miss Pageant, which opened doors for her in the entertainment industry.
A Fateful Encounter and Life-Changing Decisions
During the national Junior Miss competition, Kathie Lee crossed paths with renowned Christian singer Anita Bryant. Recognizing Kathie Lee’s potential as a singer, Anita invited her to live with her family in Florida. Kathie Lee accepted the offer and spent her time singing in Southern Baptist churches, assisting Anita, and caring for their child.
Anita’s influence on Kathie Lee’s singing style was undeniable, as she began to resemble her mentor more and more. However, after a year, Kathie Lee made a life-altering decision. She had received a scholarship to attend Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma and was determined to pursue her dreams in Hollywood.
Love’s Trials and Triumphs
In Hollywood, Kathie Lee experienced both professional success and personal challenges. She landed singing gigs on television shows, embarked on gospel singing tours, and even worked as an extra. It was during this time that she met her first husband, Paul Johnson, who was her bible study group leader. They got married when Kathie Lee was 22.
Unfortunately, Kathie Lee’s first marriage did not live up to her expectations. On their wedding night, she found herself in tears, feeling disillusioned. Their relationship was polite but lacked the passion and success she had hoped for. After seven years, they divorced in 1983.
Despite this disappointment, Kathie Lee experienced a beautiful love story in her second marriage to Frank Gifford. Their marriage lasted nearly 30 years and was filled with love, joy, and the blessing of two children, Cody and Cassidy. Frank’s passing in 2015 was a devastating blow for Kathie Lee and played a significant role in her decision to leave The Today Show.
Embracing Life and Love Again
Since stepping away from her television career, Kathie Lee has taken time to focus on herself and her loved ones. She now resides in Tennessee and feels stronger and healthier than ever. Recently, she had the joy of seeing her children get married, a moment filled with both smiles and tears as they felt their late father’s presence.
In terms of her love life, Kathie Lee has once again found happiness. She is currently dating Randy Cronk, who she describes as "nice, fun, and healthy." Randy is an insurance agent and the president of RMC Insurance Group LLC.
No matter the ups and downs, Kathie Lee Gifford has demonstrated resilience, strength, and a zest for life. She continues to inspire us with her talent, faith, and natural beauty. We are thrilled that she has found love and happiness once again.
Kathie Lee’s remarkable journey has led to an estimated net worth of $60 million. But true wealth, for her, lies in the love and joy she has found along the way.
Let’s celebrate Kathie Lee Gifford’s enduring spirit and wish her all the best in her life’s journey. Share this article with your friends and family if you are delighted for her!
