Kathie Lee Gifford recently shared that Howard Stern reached out to apologize, ending their decades-long feud. This surprising turn of events unfolded when both Gifford and Stern, now 70, reconnected during a segment on the Today show, where Stern was promoting his role as a judge on America’s Got Talent.
A Divine Nudge
In an interview with Fox News published on Tuesday, May 28, Gifford recounted how a higher power prompted her to greet Stern. “The Lord again said, ‘Kathie, go down and say hello to him,’” Gifford recalled. Ignoring warnings from the studio staff to avoid Stern, she followed her instinct. “I got up out of my hair and makeup place and those girls had been told, ‘Don’t let Kathie go anywhere near the studio because Howard Stern’s coming.’”
Gifford approached Stern, who was surrounded by his entourage, and wished him well with his new show. She then returned to the makeup room, confident in her decision. “God told me to,” she explained.
The Apology Call
Later, Stern left a voicemail filled with profanities but expressing genuine remorse. He acknowledged his past rudeness and asked for Gifford’s forgiveness. Gifford recounted this moment while dining with her family, who were wary of her taking the call due to Stern’s previous hostility. Despite never having met Stern before their Today show encounter, Gifford was aware of his harsh comments about her and her family over the years.
Seeking Forgiveness
During their conversation, Stern earnestly sought forgiveness. Gifford responded with grace, revealing she had forgiven him 30 years ago and had prayed for him daily since then. Stern was taken aback by her kindness and even accepted her invitation to dinner, marking a significant thaw in their icy relationship.
Gifford described Stern as “a very odd duck” but noted they got along fine in subsequent meetings. “I can get along with a rock,” she remarked.
The Feud’s Origin
Gifford’s new memoir, Want to Matter: Your Life Is Too Short and Too Precious to Waste, delves into the power of forgiveness and details the origins of her feud with Stern. The conflict began in 1995 when Gifford sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XXIX, where her husband, Frank Gifford, was broadcasting. She later learned that Stern had incited his listeners to boo her during her performance, leading to a long-lasting animosity.
Gifford’s story of reconciliation with Stern underscores the profound impact of forgiveness and the unexpected ways relationships can heal over time.
