During an appearance on a podcast, the TV program presenter and singer-songwriter revealed the horrifying facts of the event, praising Donald Trump, who instantly swore to address the situation himself, for sparing their lives.
In early February 2025, Kathie Lee Gifford made a candid visit on the “Sage Steele Podcast,” where she discussed significant experiences in her life.
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During the conversation, she discussed several topics, including her decades-long career, the ongoing sadness of losing her husband, Frank Gifford, and her complicated connection with President Donald Trump.
Kathie, dressed casually in a knitted sweater and slacks, recalled a terrible experience from 31 years ago while preparing to host the Miss America Pageant.
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She was holding her newborn daughter when the FBI phoned her husband to tell him that a dangerous criminal was on the loose and was targeting his wife.
The FBI advised Frank to act as if nothing was happening so that the criminal would not notice they were watching him. Frank, on the other hand, refused to go any farther unless his wife’s safety was guaranteed.
Amidst the pandemonium, he went to none other than Donald for assistance. Without hesitation, the president told Frank that he would handle the problem himself.
“[…] Donald said—this is why I’ll adore this man for the rest of my life—’Frank, don’t worry about it. I have your gals. I’ve got your girls, don’t worry,” Kathie said, fighting back tears.
According to the singer-songwriter, Frank then contacted the FBI back, stating that he had Donald’s word that he would handle the problem.
Kathie received a call from Donald himself the next day, informing her that he was sending his own helicopter to assure her and her daughter’s safe return home, as well as security guards for her safety.
A large security detail then greeted her. “There were four of his security guys there,” she recounted, still trying to figure out the scope of his intervention.
For days, armed guards were stationed outside her hotel room, providing round-the-clock protection. It wasn’t until the day of the pageant that she realized the seriousness of her predicament.
Picking up a newspaper, she was taken aback to find a headline about a death threat against her. “I read it and thought, ‘Oh, I’m kind of interested in that story,'” she admitted. Only then did she grasp the gravity of the situation and the precautions that had been taken to safeguard her.
Despite the shocking discovery, Kathie refused to be frightened. When asked whether she wanted to back out of hosting, she said emphatically, “Hell no! No one is going to instill fear in me.
The concert proceeded as scheduled, with Donald’s security team remaining at her side. Following the pageant, they secretly transported Kathie home via a separate route to avoid any remaining threats. Unbeknownst to her, an FBI agent was also stationed at her Connecticut home to safeguard her three-year-old son, Cody.
Days later, as she and her child were at the movies, an FBI agent approached her with the news of the suspect’s arrest. His capture provided comfort, but the frightening event stayed fresh in memory.
“That is my pal. Donald saved my life and my daughter’s life, and if I contacted him today, he would do it again. […] “No one knows that about him,” Kathie replied.
Her narrative reveals a lesser-known aspect of Donald, providing insight into their connection and the gratitude she still feels for him to this day.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s participation on the “Sage Steele Podcast” isn’t the first time she’s made news recently. Just weeks ago, she appeared on “Today” for Hoda Kotb’s farewell broadcast, and her appearance prompted a surge of comments.
On January 10, Kathie surprised Hoda on her last day on “Today with Jenna & Friends.”. While her entrance brought elegance to the occasion, a video published online elicited conflicting opinions from netizens.
In the video, Jenna Bush Hager informs Hoda that a close friend has written her a special message. A screen flashed, with Kathie speaking from Tennessee. The 71-year-old television personality reflected on their shared memories and the joy of their relationship.
Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show. Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts. Here’s to new adventures! 🥂 pic.twitter.com/7dBdsmYamC
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) September 27, 2024
“I always loved hugging you and just being drenched in that beautiful sunshine of a smile you have,” she said with affection. She apologized for her absence and quipped, “I’m sorry I missed your big day.” However, you are aware that I am really busy. highly active and extremely important. Not!” She closed the message with, “I love you, sweetheart!” “I’m so excited for you.”
As the video finished, Jenna startled Hoda even more by disclosing that Kathie’s recorded message from Tennessee was a “lie,” which caught her off guard and added to the emotional moment.
Kathie then entered the studio wearing a black lace outfit that exuded classic refinement. Her beautiful, flowing golden hair and understated makeup complemented her gorgeous complexion.
Pink and purple balloons decorated the studio, creating a cheerful scene. Kathie stood boldly among the decorations, later joining Hoda and Jenna for an emotional talk.
Kathie’s presence received varied comments online. Some admired her ageless beauty, while others speculated about cosmetic modifications.
“I didn’t even recognize her; she’s done way too much with her face,” one reviewer said. Some person screamed, “Botox!” while another surmised, “Lots of plastic surgery there, Kathy. “You have to accept your true age one day [sic].”
Some netizens joked about famous personalities’ cosmetic transformations, while others compared Kathie’s appearance to that of music icon Mariah Carey.
Among the criticisms, some expressed positive thoughts. “She looks very amazing!!!” said one fan, followed by another who exclaimed, “Kathie Lee looks better than ever. BRAVO! [sic]” Another person said, “Kathie Lee is so pretty.”
One spectator commended Kathie’s distinct presence and persistent support for colleagues during critical occasions, citing her appearances with Hoda and the late television broadcaster Regis Philbin.
Kathie remained fully engaged as she commemorated Hoda’s final day on the show, despite the mixed comments she received online. In a separate interview with Dr. Mehmet Oz on “The Dr. Oz Show,” Kathie revealed the emotional and professional reasons behind her metamorphosis.
She said that she lost weight while rehearsing for a film part she wrote for herself and Craig Ferguson.
“The character’s name is Annabelle, and she’s just widowed. And she is a runner—she deals with her pain by running, something she has always done. “I started training for that long before I started shooting the movie,” she explained.
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Grief also played an important part following her husband’s death in 2015. “I lost weight shortly after my own spouse died because that’s why they call it a diet—people die, and you don’t want to eat…” I don’t even remember eating after Frank died,” she said, noting that she has never been a big eater.
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In a 2017 interview with Prevention, she spoke about aging with gratitude.
“All day, life is about choices. Will I bemoan the fact that I am 64 years old or say, ‘Thank you, Lord, I made it to 64’? I’m healthy, employed, and my children are wonderful; life is lovely. I am grateful. I believe the most essential reason to enjoy your age is to be appreciative for everything,” Kathie stated.
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She continued, with her trademark wit, “If you grieve what you’ve lost in life at the expense of being grateful for what you have, you might as well take a dirt nap.”