Answer summary
Frank Gifford was married to television personality and actress Kathie Lee Johnson (later known as Kathie Lee Gifford) from December 30, 1986 until his death on August 9, 2015. He was previously married to actress and model Ann Pennington from 1957 to 1978. This verified overview explains both marriages, provides key dates and family context, and clarifies his spouse at the time of his passing.
Frank Gifford's first marriage to Ann Pennington
Marriage and family details
Frank Gifford married Ann Pennington on December 28, 1957. Pennington was an actress, model, and former Miss USA (1954). Their marriage produced two children: actress and television host Kyle Gifford (born 1958) and actress and journalist Victoria Gifford (born 1961). The couple divorced in 1978 after more than two decades together. Ann Pennington maintained a public presence as an entertainer and author following their separation.
Timeline and key facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage date | December 28, 1957 | Reputable biographies |
| Divorce date | 1978 | Public records and interviews |
| Children | Kyle Gifford (1958), Victoria Gifford (1961) | Family statements and media profiles |
Frank Gifford's marriage to Kathie Lee Gifford
Relationship background and wedding
After his divorce, Frank Gifford married television personality and singer Kathie Lee Johnson (now Kathie Lee Gifford) on December 30, 1986. Kathie Lee was already known as a pop singer and television host before co-anchoring Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee. Their partnership lasted until Frank's death on August 9, 2015, making Kathie Lee his surviving spouse. Frank and Kathie Lee had no children together, though she brought two children from her previous marriage.
Family roles and public presence
During their marriage, Kathie Lee took on the role of NFL wife while maintaining her media career. She became a nationally recognized talk show host and author. After Frank's passing, Kathie Lee frequently reflected on their long-lasting partnership and his character in heartfelt public statements, emphasizing his decency and privacy. She continues to honor his legacy through books and charitable work.
Notable attributes comparison
| Attribute | Ann Pennington | Kathie Lee Gifford |
|---|---|---|
| Years of marriage to Frank Gifford | 1957–1978 (21 years) | 1986–2015 (29 years) |
| Public role | Actress and model | Television host and singer |
| Children with Frank | Two (Kyle, Victoria) | None |
| Status at Frank's death | Divorced | Widowed spouse |
Context on Frank Gifford's public persona
Frank Gifford was an American professional football player and television sportscaster, best known for his career with the New York Giants and later as a broadcaster for Monday Night Football. His enduring public identity centers on athletic achievement and decades of televised sports coverage. His private life, including both marriages, is well-documented but remains distinct from his professional legacy. The clarity provided by verified biographies and reputable news accounts helps distinguish his career from personal matters.
Clarifying status and avoiding rumor
Because Frank Gifford passed away in 2015, discussion of "who he was married to" depends on the time period being referenced. At the time of his death he was married to Kathie Lee Gifford, his long-term spouse. There are no credible, unresolved questions about his marital status at the time of his death; reliable sources confirm a single surviving spouse and two children from his first marriage. This status-based overview dispels confusion and confirms verified details rather than speculation.
Key takeaways
- Frank Gifford was married first to Ann Pennington (1957–1978), with whom he had two children.
- He was married second to Kathie Lee Gifford from 1986 until his death in 2015.
- At the time of his passing, his spouse was Kathie Lee Gifford, who remains his publicly recognized widow.
- No children were born to Frank and Kathie Lee, though she raised two children from her prior marriage.
- Reliable biographies, public records, and reputable news sources corroborate these details.
Frequently asked questions
- Who was Frank Gifford married to at the time of his death? Kathie Lee Gifford.
- Did Frank Gifford have children with Kathie Lee? No, they had no children together, though she raised her two children from a previous marriage.
- How long were Frank and Kathie Lee married? They were married for approximately 29 years, from December 30, 1986, to his death on August 9, 2015.
- Who were Frank Gifford's children? Kyle Gifford and Victoria Gifford, from his marriage to Ann Pennington.
- Are there conflicting reports about his marriage? No; reputable biographies and public records consistently confirm the two婚姻s outlined above.