Kathie Lee Gifford Biography: Kathryn Lee Gifford born August 16, 1953 is an American television host, singer, songwriter, actress, and author. She gained national fame co-hosting Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee alongside Regis Philbin from 1985 to 2000. Later, she co-hosted the fourth hour of NBC’s Today show with Hoda Kotb from 2008 to 2019.
Kathie Lee Gifford Biography
Kathie Lee Gifford served as co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s TODAY show alongside Hoda Kotb from 2008 until April 5, 2019. Their segment, widely praised by critics, was dubbed “appointment television” by Entertainment Weekly and referred to as “TODAY’s happy hour” by USA Today.
Kathie Lee Gifford Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Kathryn Lee Epstein
August 16, 1953 Paris, France
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Oral Roberts University |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1970-present |
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| Children |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Kathie Lee Gifford
Kathryn Lee Gifford is an American television presenter, singer, songwriter, actress, and author. From 1985 to 2000, she and Regis Philbin hosted the talk show Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee. Gifford is also known for her 11-year run with Hoda Kotb, on the fourth hour of NBC’s Today show.
Kathie Lee Gifford Achievements
Over her career, she earned 11 Daytime Emmy nominations, winning her first in 2010 as part of the Today team. Gifford’s television debut came during the 1977–1978 season, appearing as a singer and sidekick to Tom Kennedy on the syndicated game show Name That Tune. She also occasionally contributed to the earlier hours of Today and served as a correspondent for NBC News. In her personal life, Gifford married Christian music producer Paul Johnson in 1976, divorcing in 1982.
Kathie Lee Gifford Personal Life
In 2014, Gifford wrote the well-received TODAY, The Musical, featuring hosts and crew members from the show. She also contributed a new original song each month for the popular segment Everyone Has a Story. In recognition of her impact on broadcast media, she was inducted into the Broadcast & Cable Hall of Fame in 2015. Before joining NBC, Gifford co-hosted Live with Regis and Kathie Lee for 15 years, earning 11 Daytime Emmy nominations during her tenure. She also spent three years as a correspondent on Good Morning America.
Kathie Lee Gifford Wiki
- Born: 16 August 1953 (age 71 years), Paris, France
- Spouse: Frank Gifford (m. 1986–2015), Paul Johnson (m. 1976–1983)
- Children: Cassidy Erin Gifford, Cody Gifford
- Parents: Aaron Epstein, Joan Cuttell
- Siblings: David Paul Epstein, Michie Mader
- Height: 1.65 m
Early Life
Kathie Lee Gifford was born in Paris, France, to American parents—Joan (née Cuttell), a singer, and Aaron Epstein, a musician and former U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer. At the time of her birth, her father was stationed in France with the Navy. She spent her childhood in Bowie, Maryland, and graduated from Bowie High School. Her ancestry is diverse: her paternal grandfather was a Russian Jew from Saint Petersburg, her paternal grandmother had Native American heritage, and her mother had French Canadian, German, and English roots. Joan was also related to author Rudyard Kipling.
Gifford became a born-again Christian at age 12 after watching the Billy Graham film The Restless Ones. She has expressed deep respect for her Jewish roots, stating in an interview with Larry King that she was raised with many Jewish traditions and is thankful for that part of her heritage. During her high school years, she performed in a folk group called Pennsylvania Next Right, which appeared regularly at school assemblies. After graduating in 1971, she attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she studied drama and music.
Kathie Lee Gifford Family Background
Kathryn Lee Epstein, better known as Kathie Lee Gifford, was born on August 16, 1953, in Paris, France, to American parents Joan and Aaron Epstein. Her father, a former musician and U.S. Navy officer, was stationed overseas at the time of her birth. Raised in a musically enriched household, Kathie Lee developed an early love for singing and performance. The family eventually settled in Maryland, where she attended Bowie High School. Her creative upbringing, marked by encouragement and artistic influence, played a key role in shaping her future in entertainment.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Kathie Lee’s career took off in the 1970s when she appeared as a singer and co-host on the game show Name That Tune. Her big break came in 1985 when she joined Regis Philbin as co-host of The Morning Show on WABC-TV. The program’s popularity led to its national syndication in 1988 under the title Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee. The duo’s charismatic rapport made the show a fixture of American morning television for 15 years. Gifford made a celebrated return to daytime TV as co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s Today show with Hoda Kotb. Their vibrant and relatable on-screen dynamic resonated with viewers and earned them a Daytime Emmy Award in 2019 for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host. Her warmth, humor, and relatability have made her a beloved presence in American broadcasting.
Notable Works and Achievements
Outside of television, Kathie Lee has enjoyed success as a singer, songwriter, actress, and author. She has released multiple albums that reflect her musical roots and inspirational style. Her writing includes bestselling memoirs and children’s books, showcasing her storytelling ability and versatility. In 2021, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring her decades-long contributions to the entertainment world.
Personal Life and Relationships
Kathie Lee’s personal life has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. She was first married to composer Paul Johnson in 1976, but the marriage ended in 1982. In 1986, she married sportscaster and former NFL star Frank Gifford. Together, they had two children, Cody and Cassidy. Their marriage endured public challenges, including Frank’s widely reported infidelity in 1997, but they remained together until his passing in 2015. Kathie Lee’s strength, faith, and devotion to family have remained central themes in her personal story.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Kathie Lee was born in Paris while her father was stationed there with the U.S. Navy, giving her an international start to life.
- Her Christian faith has been a central influence throughout her personal and professional journey.
- In 1990, she was named “the most beautiful woman on television” by TV Guide readers, a testament to her charm and public appeal.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Kathie Lee Gifford has consistently supported philanthropic causes, with a strong focus on children’s welfare and humanitarian outreach. Her legacy extends beyond her accomplishments in television and media—she’s also known for her compassion, generosity, and willingness to use her platform for good. Her authenticity and enduring warmth continue to resonate with fans and peers alike.
Future Plans and Cultural Influence
In recent years, Gifford has expanded into film production and screenwriting, notably with the romantic comedy Then Came You (2020), which she also starred in. Her cultural influence remains strong, as she continues to inspire through her storytelling and personal growth. kathie Lee’s ability to evolve with the industry—while staying true to her values—has solidified her as a lasting figure in American entertainment.
Kathie Lee Gifford Net Worth 2025
Kathie Lee Gifford’s net worth is estimated at approximately $60 million. Her wealth stems from a long and varied career spanning television, music, authorship, and public speaking. In addition to her entertainment income, she has made savvy investments in real estate, owning elegant homes in both Connecticut and Tennessee. Gifford’s lifestyle reflects a balance of professional ambition and personal tranquility, grounded in faith and creativity.
FAQs
Is Kathie Lee Gifford in a relationship?
When asked if she was interested in dating, Gifford replied, “No, I’m not. I had an unbelievable marriage and was in a relationship that I thought would be the last one of my life, the love of the rest of your life, and that didn’t work out.”
How rich is Kathie Lee Gifford?
Explore the illustrious career of Kathie Lee Gifford, a TV host, actress, and author, known for her work on “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee.” Kathie Lee Gifford is a distinguished television host, actress, singer, and author. She has accumulated a net worth of $60 million as of 2025, according to CelebrityNetWorth.
What happened to Kathie Lee Gifford’s daughter?
Kathie Lee Gifford’s family has grown by one more! The former Today host’s daughter, Cassidy, 31, revealed she quietly welcomed her second baby with husband Ben Wierda. Cassidy shared the happy news in a post on her Instagram, including a photo of her baby girl’s hand. “Rosie Mae Wierda!
Did Kathie Lee Gifford sell her home?
The Giffords sold the elegant Midtown property in 2001. Over 20 years later, someone new can now nab it and make it their own with the help of listing agents Maria Serena Torresy and Julianna Simmons of Brown Harris Stevens. This article appears in the February 2024 issue of DailyDeeds.