Kathie Lee Gifford (née Epstein, born August 16, 1953) is an American television presenter, singer, songwriter, actress, and author. She co-hosted Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee (1985–2000) with Regis Philbin and the fourth hour of NBC’s Today show (2008–2019) with Hoda Kotb, winning a Daytime Emmy in 2010.
Her career began as a singer/sidekick on Name That Tune (1977–1978). Married to Paul Johnson (1976–1982) and Frank Gifford (1986–2015), she creates spiritual music and writes uplifting books, reflecting her faith.
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Kathie Lee Gifford Net Worth
Kathie Lee Gifford has a $60 million net worth, inherited Frank Gifford’s estate in 2015, including $10 million in liquid assets, a $2.5 million Florida home, and a $22 million Connecticut mansion. In 2019, she bought two Franklin, Tennessee homes for $3.7 million each, one at 9,000 square feet and the other 7,965 square feet.
In 1998, she and Frank purchased a $5.8 million Nantucket getaway. She listed a Key Largo mansion for $10.5 million in 2018. Her Greenwich mansion, damaged in Hurricane Katrina, remains unsold.
Early life
Kathie Lee Gifford was born Kathryn Lee Epstein in Paris, France, to Joan (a singer) and Aaron Epstein (a musician and US Navy Chief). Raised in Bowie, Maryland, she attended Bowie High School and became a born-again Christian at 12 after seeing a Billy Graham film.
Her heritage includes Russian Jewish, Native American, and French Canadian roots. She sang in the folk group “Pennsylvania Next Right” and studied drama and music at Oral Roberts University. Her first major TV role was as a singer on Name That Tune in the late 1970s.
Career
In the 1970s, Kathie Lee Gifford gained recognition as a vocalist on Name That Tune and appeared on shows like Hee Haw Honeys. She became co-host of The Morning Show on WABC-TV in 1985, which became Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee in 1988, leaving in 2000.
Joining the Today Show in 2008, she raised ratings by 13% and left in 2019, earning an Emmy Award. She also acted in Seinfeld, Hercules, and Sharknado 3, starred in Annie, and appeared on The Suite Life on Deck.
Personal life
Kathie Lee Gifford married Paul Johnson, a Christian music producer, in 1976, but they divorced in 1982 after a strained relationship. On October 18, 1986, she wed Frank Gifford, an NFL star and broadcaster, 23 years her senior. They had two children, Cody Newton Gifford (born 1990) and Cassidy Erin Gifford (born 1993), and shared an August 16 birthday.
Frank passed away in 2015 at age 84. In 2017, Kathie Lee released “He Saw Jesus”, dedicating proceeds to Samaritan’s Purse in his memory.
Why is Kathie Lee Gifford famous?
Kathie Lee Gifford is best known for co-hosting Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (1985–2000) alongside Regis Philbin. She later co-hosted the fourth hour of NBC’s Today Show and has received 11 Daytime Emmy nominations.
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Conclusion
Kathie Lee Gifford’s net worth is a culmination of her successful career in television, music, and writing. Her journey in the entertainment industry is characterized by versatility, resilience, and a constant connection with her audience.
FAQs about Kathie Lee Gifford’s Net Worth
- What are some of Kathie Lee Gifford’s notable television roles? – Apart from her co-host roles on Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee and the Today show, Gifford has appeared on multiple other TV programs and specials.
- Has Kathie Lee Gifford won any awards for her work? – Gifford has received several nominations and awards, including Daytime Emmy Awards for her television work.
- What kind of music has Kathie Lee Gifford released? – She has released several music albums, showcasing her talent as a singer and songwriter.
- What is Kathie Lee Gifford’s impact on television? – Gifford is recognized for her charismatic presence and contribution to daytime television, influencing the genre significantly.
- How has Kathie Lee Gifford’s personal life influenced her career? – Her personal experiences, including her family life and faith, have often been intertwined with her career, influencing her work and public persona.
