On Monday, an emotional Hoda Kotb appeared before the audience of the Today show.
The death of Frank Gifford, Kathie Lee Gifford’s husband, moved co-host Kobt to tears. She and Jenna Bush Hager talked about the death of Gifford and shared fond memories of him during the show.
Hoda Kotb honors Kathie Lee’s late husband Frank Gifford: Hoda Kotb opened up to Jenna Bush… http://t.co/0OYOu0utA0 pic.twitter.com/7c8jJaIMuy
— NewYork (@NewYorkLoving) August 10, 2015
Kobt expressed her admiration for Kathie Lee’s strength. She said Kathie Lee is steadfast in her faith. “You know how she always talks about her faith,” Kobt said. “And I know she lives her faith, and I believed it. But I got to tell you, I didn’t believe it more than I did yesterday when I saw her after that. Frank had passed away hours before, and she said she was rejoicing in his life and when she said it, Jenna, you felt it.”
“Kath, I don’t know if you’re watching… but I miss you and I love you.” @hodakotb to @KathieLGifford pic.twitter.com/EvAm4xz8wJ
— Kathie Lee and Hoda (@klgandhoda) August 10, 2015
Kathie Lee asked people not to come to her house soon after Frank died but was thankful when Kotb ignored her request and visted her anyway.
She said that her friend does not consider Frank’s death as a tragedy. His success lies in the family he built and the legacy he left. Kobt still talking about her friend’s strength said, “I was crying and she was holding my hand and she said, ‘Let me tell you something, let me tell you what a tragedy is … A 4-year-old girl having cancer is a tragedy.”
According to reports, Frank Gifford died at age 84 at his home in Connecticut. An official statement from his family confirmed that he died of natural causes. Meanwhile, Kathie Lee reached out to her followers on Twitter and thanked her friends and co-hosts for the lovely tribute to her husband, Frank. Kobt and Hager were very emotional as the show aired clips of the NFL star.
Thank you Hoda and Jenna for your love and beautiful tribute to Frank. I’m in tears.
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) August 10, 2015
Kathie Lee Gifford will take time off from hosting the Today show to mourn her husband’s death. Her return date has not been announced yet.
