frank gifford is at the center of a new family reflection from Kathie Lee Gifford as she talks publicly about her five grandchildren, the traits she sees in them, and the joy she says she finds in watching her adult children raise their kids.
What happens when Kathie Lee Gifford ties her grandchildren’s traits to Frank Gifford?
In a recent conversation with Hoda Kotb during a Monday, March 9 (ET) episode of Today, Kathie Lee Gifford discussed her new book, Nero & Paul: How the Gospel of Grace Defeated the Ruler of Rome, and used the moment to spotlight her grandchildren. She identified one physical feature she says all five share with Frank Gifford: a cleft chin.
She also described them as “absolutely athletic, ” framing those observations as a warm, personal link between the late Frank Gifford and a new generation. The remarks positioned family resemblance—both visible and behavioral—as part of how she narrates continuity in her life, even as she focuses on her current work as a published author.
What if strong manners become the bigger inheritance than looks?
Beyond physical traits, Kathie Lee Gifford emphasized what she sees as character and upbringing—specifically manners, kindness, and the habits of respectful social interaction. She said she cherishes watching her children, Cassidy and Cody, raise their kids with strong manners and kindness, describing her grandmother role as a source of joy and purpose.
She gave a specific example from a Wednesday, Jan. 21 (ET) episode of Making Space with Hoda Kotb, recalling an outing where two of Cody’s children greeted restaurant staff with handshakes and introductions. She described the children putting their hands out to say “Nice to meet you!” and noted that their behavior has advanced beyond simple politeness into added social attentiveness, such as making eye contact and wishing people well.
When Kotb observed that those manners were reminiscent of Kathie Lee Gifford’s own children, she agreed and expanded on the idea, indicating the grandchildren have taken it further. In her telling, these everyday interactions serve as evidence of what is being taught and reinforced at home—and what she believes her family has carried forward.
What happens when grandparenthood becomes a new source of purpose?
Kathie Lee Gifford described grandparenthood as one of the great blessings of her life. She said that one of the most joyful experiences for her has been watching her children become “amazing parents, ” adding that if she and Frank Gifford did anything right, it would be raising them in a way that prepared them for that role.
She also previously described her grandsons as giving her a reason to get up every morning when “everything else is just not the same” for her, saying she tries to find joy where she can and identifying faith and family as central to that. Taken together, her comments connect a public moment about a new book with a more intimate story about family identity—where frank gifford is referenced not only as a late spouse, but as a lasting presence in the traits she sees in her grandchildren and the values she applauds in their upbringing.
