Kathie Lee Gifford Says Son Cody Now ‘Understands What Love Is’ As He Celebrates Birthday As A First-Time Dad

Mar 28, 2023

Kathie Lee Gifford was one beaming mother after her son, Cody Gifford, celebrated his 33rd birthday as a first-time dad on March 22, 2023, with his baby boy, Frankie, in his arms. The 69-year-old grandmother gushed at the father and son as she posted their photo on her Instagram.

Cody and Erika had Frank Michael "Frankie" Gifford in May 2022. Frankie is Kathie Lee's first grandchild, who was named after her husband, Frank Gifford. The former American football player and TV sports commentator passed away at 84 years old in 2015. 

While awaiting the baby's birth, Kathie Lee excitedly shared on Twitter in December 2021 that she does not care about the gender of her first grandchild as she will be over the "blue or pink moon" with the impending arrival. Becoming a grandmother for the very first time can be an overwhelming joy, and Kathie Lee admitted that she sees her grandson every single day through FaceTime.

Kathie Lee recalled when she learned she would be a grandmother. During an appearance on the "Today Show" in October 2022, the TV host said that she was handed a present by Cody and Erika as she prepared for her book tour. The present was a photo of Frankie's ultrasound, which was sealed inside a picture frame with the words, "Can't wait to meet you Grandma" on the other side. The happy grandmother said it took her a moment to understand what was happening and she freaked out as she hugged her daughter-in-law. 

Since his birth, Frankie has been a constant fixture on his grandmother's social media account. In February 2023, Kathie Lee uploaded a photo of Frankie holding a book. Fans remarked that the baby looks a lot like his father and the grandmother agreed that Frankie is Cody's mini-me. 

Now that he's a first-time father at 33, Kathie Lee implied that Cody has experienced the wonderful love parents feel for their children.

"33 years ago, this beautiful man made his entrance into this world, and today he understands what love is," Kathie Lee wrote in her birthday greeting for Cody. "Frank and I have been so blessed to bring you into this world, Cody, and now we feel double blessed that you and @mrsamerikagifford have brought little Frankie into it." 

Erika revealed that Cody was a doting dad from the very start. He accompanied his wife at every doctor's appointment during her pregnancy and patiently waited in the car for her when there were still restrictions in place at all medical facilities. 

For his birthday, Erika posted a tribute describing Cody as an attentive father who was "the best of the best in every way." She also included an anecdote from Cody's 97-year-old godfather, who said he looked up to Kathie Lee's son even if he's the older man. 

Though Cody and Erika live in Connecticut, they divide their time between their home and Kathie Lee's house in Nashville, where she has a spacious nursery for her grandson. Speaking with People, the grandmother said that Erika, an interior designer, set up the nursery in the former room of Kathie Lee's mother.

Kathie Lee planned for the space to become a family nursery as she also prepares for the arrival of her second grandchild. Her daughter, Cassidy Gifford, will give birth to her first child with Ben Wierda sometime in mid-2023 after announcing her pregnancy in December 2022. 

It's pretty clear that Kathie Lee Gifford adores her children and grandchild. What do you think of her message for her son on his birthday? Isn't Cody blessed to have his son be doted on by his grandmother? Tell us what you think and pass this story along to your friends or family!