Frank Gifford, renowned sportscaster and NFL legend, died suddenly on Aug. 9 at his Connecticut home. Frank, who was married to Today show co-host Kathie Lee Gifford, was 84 years old.
He played for the New York Giants before transitioning into a successful career in sports broadcasting. Frank was just one week shy of his 85th birthday.
On Sunday, the family released a statement:
"It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford. 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," the statement continued. " We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers."
Frank Gifford is survived by Kathie Lee Gifford and their two children, 25-year-old Cody, and 22-year-old Cassidy, as well as three children, Jeff, Kyle and Victoria, from a previous marriage.
Frank had a long and distinguished career in sports. He played for the New York Giants from 1952 to 1964 as a running back, wide receiver and defensive back.
Frank Gifford suffered a head injury in 1960, causing him to sit out the 1961 season. He returned in 1962 before retiring for good in 1964. Frank was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
He became a sportscaster after his retirement. Frank worked for CBS before becoming a co-host of ABC’s Monday Night Football from 1971 to 1985.
Frank Gifford and Kathie Lee Gifford met during an episode of ABC’s Good Morning America after her divorce from Paul Johnson in 1983, when Frank was filling in as a host. They married in 1986, and had two kids together.
After announcing his death, Kathie Lee Tweeted a thank you to fans for their outpouring of support.
Deeply grateful to all 4 ur outpouring of grace. We r steadfast in our faith & finding comfort in knowing where Frank is. Phillippians 4:13.
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) August 9, 2015
Kathie Lee's friend and cohost, Hoda Kotb, Tweeted a photo of a carefree moment in his memory. "This is how I will remember #frankgifford -- always making us laugh," she wrote on Sunday. "But today I am heartbroken -- love u klg."
This is how I will remember #frankgifford -- always making us laugh. But today I am heartbroken -- love u klg xoxo pic.twitter.com/ro4qYwynY0 — Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) August 9, 2015
