Juggling parenthood and work might be difficult, but Kathie Lee Gifford made it look easy while raising her two kids and working as one of Today‘s most iconic hosts for over a decade. Since leaving the NBC morning show in December 2018, the talk show star has been enjoying time off with son Cody Gifford and daughter Cassidy Gifford, whom she welcomed with late husband Frank Gifford.
Cody Gifford
Kathie became a mom for the first time when she and Frank welcomed their first child together, son Cody, on March 22, 1990. Growing up, Cody got a taste of Hollywood at a young age as he accompanied his mom and dad on red carpet premieres and TV show sets.
As he got older, Cody followed in his parents’ famous footsteps as he pursued a career in acting and TV. According to IMDb, Cody attended Oxford University in Tennessee, where he produced a movie titled American Patriot. He also studied at the University of Southern California and played football.
Since graduating from college, Cody became the founder and acting principal of Little Giant Productions — which has “sold, developed and executive produced content for Warner Bros. Television and the Hallmark Channel,” IMDb noted.
Besides the fact that Cody is paving quite the career for himself, he’s just as successful when it comes to his personal life. In September 2020, he married his college sweetheart, Erika Gifford, during a romantic wedding ceremony.
“God gave us a glorious day to celebrate this glorious couple,” Kathie Lee marveled alongside a pic of the newlyweds in their gorgeous ensembles on September 7. “So grateful.”
The A Godwink Christmas actress first announced Cody and Erika’s engagement in May 2019. “My son is engaged and I couldn’t be happier for him and @missamerikabrown!!!” the proud mom captioned a photo of the happy couple.
In December 2021, Kathie announced that she was going to be a grandmother for the first time. She found out the exciting news with her longtime friend, Christine Gardner, in the most adorable way possible.
“Cody and Erika handed both of us something that was wrapped and asked that we please open at the same time. It was a two-sided frame and mine read, ‘Can’t wait to meet you Grandma’ on one side, and on the other was a photo of Cody and Erika holding their ultrasound,” the four-time Emmy winner told People after hearing the news. “It took a moment to crystalize to me that this was their baby which meant that it was my baby too and I freaked and ran to hug Erika and so did Christine. To which Cody said, ‘What about me?’”
On June 1, 2022, Kathie Lee announced the arrival of her first grandchild, Frank Michael “Frankie” Gifford. The little one’s name is a sweet tribute to her late husband.
“My heart is bursting,” she captioned a photo of Cody and Erika holding their little bundle of joy. “Frank Michael Gifford is here, confirming that our God is good and merciful and faithful. And he loves us!”
Cody and Erika welcomed their second son, Ford, in November 2023. In May 2025, Cody and Erika announced they were expecting their third child together.
“Gifford, party of cinco,” Erika captioned an Instagram video showing clips of her family. “Our little blessing on the way was prayed for, dreamed of, and is already so deeply loved. 20 weeks in and we can’t wait to meet the newest member of our crew.”
“I am beyond filled with joy that this magnificent secret is finally out! So grateful to God for His faithfulness and loving kindness, and so thrilled that both of my children married, beautiful spouses, and are incredible loving, tender and tough parents, just like I had,” Kathie Lee commented underneath the post.
Cassidy Gifford
Kathie and Frank welcomed their second child, daughter Cassidy, on August 2, 1993. Like her older brother, Cassidy followed in her parents’ path and pursued a Hollywood career. However, prior to hitting the big screen, Kathie’s mini-me graduated from the University of Southern California like Cody.
Aside from being an accomplished actress, who appeared in a plethora of films including The Gallows, Tim Trap, Twisted Sisters and many more, Cassidy is also a stunning model. In 2015, she was even chosen as one of Esquire magazine’s “18 Beautiful Women America Won’t Be Able to Resist This Summer.”
In June 2020, Cassidy celebrated a personal milestone as she married her longtime love, Ben Wierda. Us Weekly confirmed Cassidy and Ben made their love official as they walked down the aisle on June 15. News of the pair’s nuptials comes less than a year after Kathie Lee shared the exciting announcement of their engagement.
“So thrilled to announce that my beautiful daughter, @cassidygiff, is engaged to a wonderful man, Ben @letsgetwierda,” the Kathie Lee and Hoda alum wrote alongside a photo of her daughter and then-fiancé at the time. “I am beyond the moon and stars. Thank you, LORD!”
On October 10, 2021, Cassidy and Ben had a second wedding ceremony for their friends and family in downtown Nashville. At the reception, Cody joined Cassidy on the dance floor to dance to “What a Wonderful World.” Halfway through the dance, Ben’s father came to dance with Cassidy, a sweet moment she will never forget. She told People in November 2021 that she was a “mess of tears” during the dance.
In June 2023, the couple welcomed their first child, son Finn.