Hoda Kotb paid an emotional tribute this morning on "The Today Show" to the late Frank Gifford, the husband of her co-host Kathie Lee Gifford, after he passed away Sunday at the age of 84, according to Fox News. Kotb shared an inspiring message from Kathie Lee, who told her that football legend Frank's life had been "a triumph."
Kotb revealed that she ignored Kathie Lee's request not to have visitors after her husband passed away and instead raced over to her friend's home to comfort her as soon as she heard the sad news.
"This is what any man would dream of leaving behind," Kotb said during a lengthy segment in the fourth hour of the show."
Kathie Lee was understandably absent from the show this morning. Kotb was joined by Jenna Bush Hager for an extended tribute to both Frank Gifford and his wife.
"Kathie said something to me yesterday; she said 'This is not a tragedy.' I was holding her hand and she said, 'A 4-year-old girl having cancer is a tragedy,'" Hotb explained. "She said Frank lived to be nearly 85, she said he lived an incredible life, has an incredible family, has an incredible legacy. She said his life is a triumph."
Gifford was a New York Giants running back and was a legendary sportscaster after he retired. He died Sunday of natural causes in his Connecticut home, according to People. On Sunday, the family released a statement announcing the football star's death.
"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 read.
Watch the movie tribute below.
