Kathie Lee Gifford Marks Ninth Anniversary of Frank Gifford’s Passing with Heartfelt Tribute, Celebrates Hoda Kotb’s Birthday

Kathie Lee Gifford Marks Ninth Anniversary of Frank Gifford’s Passing with Heartfelt Tribute, Celebrates Hoda Kotb’s Birthday

The beloved television personality shared a poignant Instagram message reflecting on faith, family, and enduring friendships, nine years after her legendary husband’s death.

A Dual Commemoration: Loss and Friendship

On Saturday, August 9th, television icon Kathie Lee Gifford, 71, took to Instagram to share a deeply personal message, commemorating a significant date in her life with a dual celebration. The former talk show host chose to mark the nine-year anniversary of her beloved husband Frank Gifford’s passing, an occasion she remarkably framed as “a day for rejoicing!” In the same heartfelt post, she extended warm birthday wishes to her cherished friend and former Today co-host, Hoda Kotb, who celebrated her 61st birthday on the very same day.

Frank Gifford’s Enduring Legacy and Kathie Lee’s Unwavering Faith

Frank Gifford, a legendary figure in American sports and entertainment, passed away in 2015, just one week before his 85th birthday. His illustrious career spanned decades, from his time as a celebrated NFL player to his later success as an actor and a beloved sports commentator. Kathie Lee’s message underscored her profound Christian faith, which serves as the bedrock of her perspective on his death. She expressed unwavering belief that Frank has been “at peace and filled with joy and glory” since that day, finding immense comfort in “how He cares for His loved ones, for His children.”

A Bond Forged On-Screen: Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb

The Instagram post featured a touching photograph of Kathie Lee and Kotb embracing in New York City’s Rockefeller Center, specifically within the area now known as Kathie Lee Gifford Plaza – a fitting backdrop given their shared history. The two women famously co-hosted the fourth hour of NBC’s Today broadcast for an impressive 11 years, from 2008 until Kathie Lee’s departure in 2019. Their on-screen chemistry blossomed into a deep and enduring friendship that continues to thrive off-camera.

Family Milestones and a Lingering Presence

Frank and Kathie Lee’s marriage was blessed with two children: son Cody, now 35, and daughter Cassidy, 32. In the summer of 2020, both Cody and Cassidy embarked on new chapters, marrying their respective partners. Kathie Lee shared a poignant reflection with PEOPLE at the time, expressing her profound sense of her late husband’s presence during these milestone family events. “At both weddings, we felt Frank just smiling,” she recounted. “He had an aerial view, I think.” Cody’s ceremony held particular significance, taking place at the Greenwich, Connecticut, home where he and his sister grew up—the very spot where Frank’s ashes had been scattered.

Kathie Lee also conveyed her deep gratitude that Frank had the opportunity to meet both his children’s spouses before his passing. Frank had known Cassidy’s husband, Ben Wierda, since he was just 14 years old. He also warmly embraced Cody’s wife, Erika Brown, having met her at Kathie Lee’s 60th birthday celebration, reportedly adoring her smile and laugh. “He was there for that part of the journey, which was lovely,” Kathie Lee affirmed. Her message concluded with a blessing for her followers, wishing them “the same kind of Shalom” in their lives, a testament to her enduring spirit of peace, love, and unwavering faith amidst life’s significant moments.