Kathie Lee Gifford shares an emotional message close to her heart on a bittersweet day

Kathie Lee Gifford is a devoted mother and grandmother, and family is everything to the former Today Show host.

And on Sunday, the author felt all the emotions as she marked a bittersweet day in her family, Father’s Day.

Kathie’s thoughts were with her late husband, Frank Gifford, who tragically passed away in 2015. The TV star took to Instagram to share a photo of Frank and their daughter Cassidy and son Cody, taken when they were young children.

In the caption, she wrote: “Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads, those who carry on their legacy, and the precious memories of the fathers who are no longer with us.”

Frank died at the age of 84 while at his home in Connecticut, leaving his family in need.

Kathie and Frank had been married since 1986 and enjoyed a happy life together. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing, as in 1997, the TV personality was tested after it was discovered that the Pro Football Hall of Famer had cheated on her. She previously said her “faith was definitely tested” during this time.

In December 2023, Kathie and her son Cody gave a joint interview to People magazine about Frank’s final days. Cody reflected on one of their last nights together, saying, “within a minute or two minutes…he had forgotten everything I had just said.”

Kathie is currently single and enjoying life as a grandmother after retirement.

The star became a grandmother for the first time in 2022, when her son Cody and his wife Erika welcomed their first child, son Frankie. The couple welcomed their second child, Ford, in late 2023.

Kathie’s daughter Cassidy and her husband Ben welcomed their first child, son Finn, in June 2023. Kathie regularly shares updates about her young grandchildren on social media and is incredibly proud of them.

She’s had a busy year so far and recently announced the release of her latest book, Herod and Mary.

She posted a photo of the book’s cover to Instagram in early June, along with a lengthy caption. She wrote: “My friends, travel to ancient Jerusalem with Herod and Mary! This first installment of the Ancient Evil, Living Hope series takes you deep into the lives of two key biblical figures.

“King Herod’s quest for power intertwines with the divine path of Mary of Nazareth, who carries within her the hope of humanity. Feel the tension, faith and triumph in this meticulously researched tale by me and Bryan Mr. Litfin, Ph.D. Discover the true King and the unfolding of God’s mighty plan like never before. Pre-order your copy with the link in the bio today!