Kathie Lee Gifford's Journey to Forgiveness: Reflections on Moving Forward After Her Late Husband's Affair

Kathie Lee Gifford Opens Up About Forgiving Late Husband s Affair With a Flight Attendant 232

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Kathie Lee Gifford is sharing honest thoughts about the affair that affected her marriage to her late husband Frank Gifford.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight released on Wednesday, April 24, the 70-year-old former Today show host talked about how she was able to forgive Frank for being unfaithful. Before Frank passed away in 2015, he had a well-known affair with Suzen Johnson, who used to work as a flight attendant.

Kathie Lee told ET that she chose not to let the seed germinate because she didn't want to become a bitter and miserable person. She believed that being bitter would only make everyone around her miserable as well. Since her earliest youth, she always felt that she had the choice to either be a blessing or a burden, and she chose to be a blessing.

Kathie Lee and Frank had two children, Cassidy, 30, and Cody, 34. Their children played a significant role in her decision not to cultivate a toxic environment filled with resentment when they were young.

"I don't want negativity to consume me or anyone I care about. I believe in making positive choices and spreading blessings to others."

Kathie Lee Gifford Opens Up About Forgiving Late Husband s Affair With a Flight Attendant 231

In 1997, it was revealed that Frank and Johnson had an affair outside of their marriage. In her book "It's Never Too Late" published in 2020, Kathie Lee shared a significant moment she experienced during therapy as she worked through the aftermath of the affair.

"He told me something that I will never forget: ‘Kathie, if you can’t forgive your husband, forgive your children’s father,'" she shared. This shifted my focus from myself to my children, who were unaware of their father's infidelity. Despite his actions, my children's father was a kind and loving man, making it easy for me to forgive him.

Reflecting on her marriage to Frank, who passed away at 84 from natural causes, Kathie Lee expressed to ET that she is at peace with her decisions because she was able to truly forgive him.

After leaving the Today show in 2019, Kathie Lee continues to find joy in both her personal and professional life. She is a proud grandmother of three and her new book, "I Want to Matter: Your Life Is Too Short and Too Precious to Waste," will be available in stores later this month.

During an exclusive interview at the QVC Age of Possibility Summit in Las Vegas, Kathie Lee shared her perspective on life. She believes in taking each day as it comes and approaching it as a new opportunity for growth and possibilities, especially for women over 50.

"I was brought up with that mindset," she said. "My faith guides all my decisions, focusing on what God has in store for me each day and the people He has planned for me to connect with and help along the way."

Editor's P/S:

Kathie Lee Gifford's account of forgiveness and resilience in the face of her husband's infidelity is both inspiring and relatable. Her decision to prioritize her children's well-being and to avoid bitterness is a testament to her strength and compassion. It highlights the transformative power of forgiveness, which can heal wounds and bring closure, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Gifford's journey also emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding meaning in life beyond adversity. Her ongoing personal and professional pursuits demonstrate that it is possible to thrive and find joy even after experiencing significant setbacks. Her message of hope and resilience is particularly empowering for women over 50, encouraging them to embrace new opportunities and live their lives with purpose and fulfillment.