Celebrating life! On Sunday, Aug. 9, NFL star and sportscaster Frank Gifford died of natural causes at age 84 in his Connecticut home. His wife, Kathie Lee Gifford, was understandably absent from her Today show duties the next day, but her longtime pal and co-anchor, Hoda Kotb, honored Frank with the rest of the team from the NBC morning show.
“Kath said something to me yesterday,” Kotb said during Monday’s segment. “She said, ‘This is not a tragedy.’ I was holding her hand, and she said, ‘A 4-year-old girl having cancer is a tragedy. Frank lived to be almost 85.’ She said, ‘He lived an incredible life, has an incredible family, had an incredible legacy.’ She said, ‘His life is a triumph.’”
Kotb previously tweeted a photo from Kathie Lee’s 60th birthday celebration on the show last year, which Frank attended.
This is how I will remember #frankgifford — always making us laugh. But today I am heartbroken — love u klg xoxo pic.twitter.com/ro4qYwynY0
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) August 9, 2015
She wasn’t the only one to honor the late New York Giants Hall of Famer. His goddaughter Kendall Jenner also tweeted.
very sad day. Rest in Peace to my Godfather. The legend, Frank Gifford.
— Kendall Jenner (@KendallJenner) August 9, 2015
Other stars paid their respects to the fallen legend.
RIP Frank Gifford and sending love to our friend @KathieLGifford.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 9, 2015
.@KathieLGifford, Melania and I send our deepest condolences. Frank was a special and amazing person. He will be missed by all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2015
Sending love to @KathieLGifford over the loss of her husband, Frank. You are in our thoughts today.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 9, 2015
Frank Gifford was an awesome gentleman. My prayers are with @KathieLGifford and their kids.
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) August 9, 2015
RIP #NFL & @Giants icon Frank Gifford, a star player & legendary announcer. I had many great intvs w/him. My condolences @KathieLGifford
— Larry King (@kingsthings) August 9, 2015
Kathie Lee also tweeted her thanks to her followers on Sunday night.
Deeply grateful to all 4 ur outpouring of grace. We r steadfast in our faith & finding comfort in knowing where Frank is. Phillippians 4:13.
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) August 9, 2015
