If you’ve spent any time at all watching morning television over the last few decades, you probably feel like you know Kathie Lee Gifford personally. You've seen her laugh through the "Live!" years with Regis Philbin and sip wine through the "Today" show years with Hoda Kotb. But lately, as she’s stepped back from the daily grind of the spotlight, people are asking one specific question more than ever: how old is Kathie Lee Gifford exactly?
Time flies when you’re having fun, and in the world of entertainment, it flies even faster.
The Real Number: Kathie Lee’s Age Today
Let’s just get the math out of the way so we can talk about the more interesting stuff. Kathie Lee Gifford was born on August 16, 1953, in Paris, France. As we navigate through early 2026, Kathie Lee Gifford is 72 years old. She’ll be hitting that 73-mark this coming August.
It’s kind of wild to think about, right? She’s been a staple in our living rooms since the mid-70s. Honestly, she seems to have more energy in her 70s than most people do in their 30s.
How Old Is Kathie Lee Gifford and Why Does Everyone Keep Asking?
The reason this question trends so often isn't just about a number on a birth certificate. It’s because she hasn't really "retired" in the traditional sense. People see her popping up on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle—she just made a surprise appearance in January 2026 to help pass the torch to Sheinelle Jones—and they’re shocked she’s still so active.
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She doesn’t look or act like the stereotypical "senior."
After leaving NBC in 2019, she moved to Nashville. She didn't go there to sit on a porch and knit. She went there to write movies, record music, and basically start a whole second career. When you see someone constantly reinventing themselves, it’s natural to lose track of how long they've actually been in the game.
A Timeline of the Gifford Eras
To really understand the "how old" of it all, you have to look at the sheer volume of work she’s put in.
- The Early Years (The 20s): Most people forget she started as a singer/sidekick on Name That Tune in 1977. She was just 24.
- The Regis Era (The 30s and 40s): This is where she became a household name. Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee started nationally in 1988. She stayed for 15 years.
- The Today Show Era (The 50s and 60s): After a break to focus on family and theater, she joined Hoda Kotb in 2008. That "Happy Hour" at 10:00 AM lasted 11 years.
- The Nashville Chapter (The 70s): This is where she is now—writing oratorios, books like I Want to Matter, and being a very hands-on grandmother.
Dealing with the Hard Stuff
You can't talk about Kathie Lee’s age without mentioning the resilience she’s shown. She’s been very open about the "unbelievably painful" fall she had recently, which resulted in a fractured pelvis. Recovery at 70-plus isn't a walk in the park. She was hospitalized, she was in pain, but she’s back on her feet.
Then there’s the family side of things. She lost her husband, Frank Gifford, back in 2015. Since then, she’s watched her kids, Cody and Cassidy, get married and start families of their own. She’s currently a grandmother to three—Frankie, Finn, and Ford—and there’s a fourth on the way.
Being a "Bubbie" (her preferred grandma name) seems to be the role that keeps her the youngest.
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The Secret to Staying Relevant at 72
So, why do we care how old she is? Probably because she’s a blueprint for how to age without disappearing.
She doesn't try to look 25. She doesn't hide her faith, even when it’s not "trendy" in Hollywood. In recent interviews, like her talk with Raymond Arroyo in late 2025, she’s been blunt about "cancel culture" and the "death of late-night TV." She’s reached that age where she just doesn't have a filter anymore, and honestly, it’s refreshing.
She’s also avoided the trap of becoming a legacy act. Instead of just talking about the "good old days" with Regis, she’s out here promoting new books and films.
What You Should Take Away
If you’re looking up how old is Kathie Lee Gifford because you’re worried about your own age, take a page out of her book. Basically, the number doesn't dictate the output.
- Reinvention is key: She moved cities and changed industries in her mid-60s.
- Health is a priority: Even after a major injury like a fractured pelvis, she’s focused on a "miracle" recovery through physical therapy and grit.
- Keep your circle tight: Her continued friendship with Hoda Kotb and her kids is clearly what fuels her.
If you want to keep up with her latest projects, the best move is to check out her official site or her Nashville-based productions. She’s proving that being 72 in 2026 isn't about slowing down; it’s about finally having the freedom to do exactly what you want.
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Next Step for You: If you're inspired by her "second act" in Nashville, check out her recent oratorio The Way or her latest book I Want to Matter. They give a much deeper look into her mindset at this stage of her life than a quick Google search ever could.