Kathie Lee Gifford Is an Expert at Romance! See the TV Star’s Dating History Through the Years

Paul Johnson

Believe it or not, Kathie Lee’s first marriage wasn’t with Frank. She was actually wed to composer Paul Johnson from 1976 to 1983, though the Emmy winner hasn’t said much about their relationship.

Kathie Lee made an exception, however, in her 2020 memoir It’s Never Too Late. “The truth is, it was only a marriage in the pages of the law,” she wrote about Paul, according to Today. “Though Paul and I were married, we shared only one thing — our faith.”

Frank Gifford

Kathie Lee and Paul were officially divorced in 1983, and three years later, she married Frank on October 18, 1986. Less than two years after their wedding, they welcomed their first child, son Cody Gifford, in March 1990. Kathie Lee gave birth to their youngest, daughter Cassidy Gifford, in August 1993.

Despite cheating allegations in the late 1990s, Kathie Lee and Frank enjoyed 29 years of marriage until 2015. At the time of the footballer’s death, the A Godwink Christmas actress revealed the news in an emotional statement.

“It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford,” the family’s statement read. “Frank died suddenly this beautiful Sunday morning of natural causes at his Connecticut home. We rejoice in the extraordinary life he was privileged to live, and we feel grateful and blessed to have been loved by such an amazing human being. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers.”

Looking back on their decades-long love story, Kathie Lee is “deeply grateful for all the years” she shared with her longtime hubby. The TV presenter reflected on her relationship with the “beautiful man” while commemorating their 30th wedding anniversary in October 2016.

“We had Frank for a lot of years and we had him in great health and we have many, many memories,” she said, adding advice on how she copes. “If you keep thinking about what you lost, you will fall in despair. Concentrate on what you still have and the memories and the knowledge that you will all be united one day. I am not saying it’s easy. I am saying it’s possible.”

Randy Cronk

Following Frank’s death, Kathie Lee uprooted her life from Connecticut and relocated to Nashville in 2018. At the time, she was casually dating, including one man, Randy Cronk, whom she opened up about during an appearance on Today.

“It’s surreal. You know, it’s surreal. ‘Cause the world’s changed so much, you know. But [Randy is] a gentleman, so it was fine. It was fine. It was fun,” the star said while gushing over her first date in more than 30 years.

However, things never ended up getting serious between Kathie Lee and Randy. “I got so busy,” she explained. “We’re just from different worlds.”

Eventually, their relationship fizzled out.

Kathie Lee Makes Comment About Mystery Man

Kathie Lee made sure to let fans know how happy she was in a new relationship during her appearance on Today in April 2021.

“To be in a place where you feel like every aspect of your life is good, that nothing’s missing, and that’s a beautiful place to be. I’m just so grateful,” she said to hosts Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Carson Daly, noting she doesn’t want to share too many details just yet because she “[doesn’t] want to mess it up.”

The Hello, Little Dreamer author added, “It’s just happy.”

Richard Spitz

Once she moved to Nashville, Kathie Lee struck up a great relationship with neighbor Richard Spitz. The pair began dating, but largely kept details about their relationship under wraps. It seemed like things were getting pretty serious between the former broadcaster and the businessman, who were spotted out together on rare occasions.

“She enjoys his companionship,” a friend close to the star told Closer in December 2023. “I can see Kathie Lee and Richard tying the knot in the near future.”

But in February 2024, fans of Kathie Lee were confused when pal Hoda Kotb publicly nominated her to be the leading lady on ABC’s inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette. Hoda told the Today audience that she felt like Kathie Lee “would be perfect” for the role.

The following month, sources confirmed Kathie Lee and Richard had gone their separate ways.

“Hoda has been calling her every day and planning a visit to Nashville soon,” an insider told Closer in March 2024. “Kathie Lee is in a difficult place emotionally right now after getting dumped but is receiving love and support from those around her.”

“Moving forward, she plans to focus on her family, friends and faith — not on men!” the source added.