Kathie Lee Gifford, best known for her time as a presenter on “The Morning Show” alongside Regis Philbin, has had a remarkable career in the entertainment industry. But her personal life has also captured the public’s attention. Let’s take a look at Kathie Lee Gifford’s marriages and her journey to finding love.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s Early Years
Born on August 16, 1953, in Paris, France, Kathie Lee’s childhood was shaped by her father’s work as a naval officer and her mother’s career change to become a radio singer. Growing up in a multicultural and religiously diverse family, Kathie Lee had a unique upbringing.
Finding Faith
At the age of 12, Kathie Lee had a life-changing experience while watching a Christian film called “The Restless Ones.” This led her to embrace Christianity and embark on a spiritual journey. She shared, “Our faith began to change one night when I was 12.” This newfound faith would guide her throughout her life.
Pursuing Her Dreams
From a young age, Kathie Lee had a passion for singing and acting. She believed that God was with her every step of the way as she pursued her dreams. At 17, she won her state Junior Miss Pageant, which opened doors for her in the entertainment industry.
The Road to Hollywood
During her Junior Miss Pageant journey, Kathie Lee met Anita Bryant, a Christian singer who saw her potential as a singer. Anita invited Kathie Lee to live with her family in Miami and helped her secure a scholarship to Oral Roberts University. However, Kathie Lee’s time at the university was short-lived, as she felt manipulated and decided to pursue her dreams in Hollywood.
A Rocky Marriage
In Hollywood, Kathie Lee met her first husband, Paul Johnson, who was also her bible study group leader. They got married when Kathie Lee was 22 and had been celibate until then. But the marriage quickly turned out to be a disappointment, leaving Kathie Lee in tears on her wedding night. The couple divorced in 1983.
True Love Found
After her first marriage ended, Kathie Lee focused on her career and became a household name as the co-host of “The Morning Show.” It was during this time that she met her second husband, Frank Gifford, a former football player. Their marriage lasted almost 30 years and was a true love story, despite facing challenges along the way.
Dealing with Tragedy
Sadly, in 2015, Frank Gifford passed away. Kathie Lee faced another heartbreaking loss when her former colleague Regis Philbin also passed away in 2020. These losses reinforced the importance of living life to the fullest.
Finding Love Again
After the passing of her beloved husband Frank, Kathie Lee found herself open to the possibility of love once more. She met Randy Cronk at a club and rediscovered the joy of dating after 33 years. Kathie Lee describes Randy as smart, funny, and someone she enjoys spending time with.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s journey through love and faith has been filled with ups and downs, but she has emerged stronger and wiser. We admire her resilience and willingness to embrace the joys life has to offer.
