The Untold Truth Of Kathie Lee Gifford

Publish date: 2024-05-04

Despite more than 45 years in the business, Kathie Lee isn't perfect behind the camera. She made a devastating mistake on live TV while anchoring the Today show in 2012. 

Martin Short was her guest, and Kathie Lee made a point to gush about the actor's marriage with Nancy Dolman. "[You] have one of the greatest marriages of anybody in show business," she said (via ABC). "How many years are you in love with her now?" 

The problem: Short's wife had passed away from ovarian cancer more than a year prior.  Ever the classy Hollywood vet, Short didn't correct Kathie Lee on air. He simply responded, "We, ah...married 36 years." She followed up, "But you're still, like, in love?" Short replied, "Madly in love, madly in love." She went on: "Why?" He quipped, "Cute. I'm cute."

After a commercial break, Kathie Lee reportedly apologized for her comments. She also tweeted: "I send my sincerest apologies to @MartinShort and his family. He handled situation w/enormous grace and kindness and I'm so grateful." (Unfortunately, that wasn't Short's Twitter handle.)

Regardless, the actor maintained his cool, telling E! News. "On live television, people make mistakes. There's no ill will intended."

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