What Happened to Kathryn Lee Gifford?
Kathie Lee Gifford is an American television presenter, singer, songwriter, actress, and author, widely recognized for her co-hosting roles on "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee" and the fourth hour of NBC's "Today" show. Since departing "Today" in 2019, she has focused on filmmaking, music, and writing, most recently releasing her historical fiction book "Nero and Paul" in March 2026 and continuing to engage in public discourse on faith and culture.
Quick Answer
Kathie Lee Gifford has transitioned from her long-standing television career to focus on creative projects including filmmaking, music, and writing. As of March 2026, she released her new historical fiction book, "Nero and Paul: How the Gospel of Grace Defeated the Ruler of Rome," and has been actively promoting it, including an appearance on the Today show. She continues to live in Tennessee, enjoying her role as a grandmother, and remains a prominent voice in Christian media.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Paris, France
Kathryn Lee Epstein, later known as Kathie Lee Gifford, was born in Paris, France, to American parents.
National TV Debut on 'Name That Tune'
Gifford began her national television career as a singer/sidekick on the game show 'Name That Tune'.
Begins Co-hosting 'The Morning Show'
She joined Regis Philbin as co-host of 'The Morning Show' on WABC-TV, which was later syndicated nationally as 'Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee'.
Marries Frank Gifford
Kathie Lee married NFL legend and sportscaster Frank Gifford, with whom she would share many personal stories on her morning show.
Departs 'Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee'
After a highly successful 15-year run, Gifford departed from 'Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee' to focus on family and other projects.
Joins NBC's 'Today' Show
Gifford returned to morning television, joining NBC's 'Today' show as co-host of the fourth hour alongside Hoda Kotb.
Husband Frank Gifford Passes Away
Her beloved husband, Frank Gifford, passed away at the age of 84.
Leaves 'Today' Show
Gifford concluded her 11-year tenure on the 'Today' show to pursue filmmaking, writing, and music projects.
Relocates to Franklin, Tennessee
After leaving the 'Today' show, Gifford relocated from Connecticut to Franklin, Tennessee, to be closer to her children and pursue new creative endeavors.
Receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Gifford was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her significant contributions to the television industry.
Releases 'Kathie Lee Gifford Presents: The Way'
She released 'Kathie Lee Gifford Presents: The Way,' an oratorio film that brings biblical stories to life through music and narration.
Becomes a Grandmother
Gifford became a proud grandmother, welcoming three grandsons: Frank (May 2022), Finn Thomas Wierda (June 2023), and Ford Mathew (November 2023).
Publishes 'Herod and Mary'
She published 'Herod and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior,' the first book in her 'Ancient Evil, Living Hope' trilogy.
Suffers Pelvis Injury
Gifford suffered a significant injury, breaking her pelvis in two places after a fall at her Tennessee home, while recovering from a hip replacement.
Releases 'Nero and Paul'
Her latest book, 'Nero and Paul: How the Gospel of Grace Defeated the Ruler of Rome,' the second installment in her biblical historical fiction series, was released.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kathie Lee Gifford, born Kathryn Lee Epstein on August 16, 1953, in Paris, France, has built a multifaceted career spanning over five decades in American entertainment. Her journey began in the 1970s with roles as a singer on "Name That Tune" and appearances on "Hee Haw Honeys." However, it was her dynamic partnership with Regis Philbin that catapulted her to national fame. From 1985 to 2000, she co-hosted "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee," a syndicated morning talk show celebrated for its candid discussions about her family life with husband Frank Gifford and their children, Cody and Cassidy.
After leaving "Live!" in 2000 to spend more time with her family and pursue other interests, Gifford returned to morning television in 2008, joining Hoda Kotb for the fourth hour of NBC's "Today" show. This pairing proved equally successful, earning critical acclaim and a loyal viewership for its lighthearted and often wine-fueled segments. During her 11-year tenure on "Today," Gifford also expanded her creative portfolio, writing musicals and contributing songs. The period also brought personal challenges, including the passing of her husband, NFL legend Frank Gifford, in August 2015.
In April 2019, Gifford announced her departure from "Today" to fully dedicate herself to filmmaking, writing, and music, relocating to Franklin, Tennessee. Since then, she has been prolific, making her directorial debut with the short film "The God Who Sees" and releasing the oratorio film "Kathie Lee Gifford Presents: The Way" in September 2022. Her literary pursuits have also flourished, with the release of "Herod and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior" in July 2024, the first in her "Ancient Evil, Living Hope" trilogy.
Kathie Lee Gifford's career continues to be active into 2026. On March 10, 2026, she released the second book in her trilogy, "Nero and Paul: How the Gospel of Grace Defeated the Ruler of Rome," and appeared on the "Today" show on March 11, 2026, to discuss it. She has also been in the news for reportedly expressing frustration over not being invited to promote her new book on "The View" and for comments made on a podcast regarding the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing her Christian faith and message of love. Despite a fall in 2024 that resulted in a broken pelvis, Gifford, who was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in April 2021, remains a vibrant public figure, embracing her roles as an author, filmmaker, and grandmother to three grandsons.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kathryn Lee Gifford made different choices?