Gifford’s parents, musician Aaron Epstein and former military secretary turned radio soprano Joan Epstein, gave her the name Kathryn Lee Epstein when she was born on August 16, 1953. Gifford’s paternal grandfather was a Russian Jew from Saint Petersburg, and her paternal grandmother was of Native American ancestry. Author and direct ancestor of Rudyard Kipling, her mother was a writer.
She made the decision to convert to Christianity at the age of twelve after seeing the film “The Restless Ones.” Bowie High served as her high school. When still a senior in high school, she performed at school assemblies with the folk ensemble “Pennsylvania Next Right.”
After graduating from high school in 1971, she enrolled in Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she studied acting and music. But in her junior year, she did leave the university.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s husband
Kathie Lee Gifford was formerly married to Paul Johnson from 1976 to 1983 and to Frank Gifford from 1986 until 2015. She is not presently married.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s children
Cassidy Erin and Cody Gifford are Kathie Lee Gifford’s two children. In 1990, on March 22, Cody was born. Cassidy was conceived on August 2, 1993.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s parents
The parents of Kathie Lee Gifford were Aaron Epstein and Joan Cuttell. Her father, Aaron Leon Epstein, was a retired US military officer and sporadic jazz pianist. Joan was a former naval secretary who later became a radio performer.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s siblings
The two siblings of Gifford go by the names of David and Michelle.
