Kathie Lee Gifford Reveals How Howard Stern’s ‘Surprise’ Apology Voicemail Ended Their Years-Long Feud
Kathie Lee Gifford, renowned television personality and author, has shed light on the resolution of her long-standing feud with radio legend Howard Stern. In her latest memoir, I Want to Matter: Your Life Is Too Short and Too Precious to Waste, the 70-year-old Gifford details how their contentious relationship, which began in 1995, came to an unexpected and heartfelt end thanks to a ‘surprise’ voicemail from Stern.
The Origins of the Feud
The roots of the dispute between Gifford and Stern stretch back to Super Bowl XXIX in 1995, a significant moment in Gifford’s career. She had been chosen to sing the National Anthem at the event, an opportunity that should have been a highlight. However, the performance was met with jeers and boos from the audience. It was later revealed that Stern had encouraged his listeners to boo her, a move that sparked a bitter and public feud.
Gifford, known for her roles on Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee and Today, faced not only the sting of the boos but also the personal attack from Stern. Despite this, Gifford’s ability to move past the anger and resentment and to find forgiveness in her heart is a testament to her character and faith.
A Gesture of Reconciliation
Fast forward nearly two decades, and the feud was still a topic of discussion. In 2011, as Stern was preparing for his new role as a judge on the seventh season of America’s Got Talent, Gifford decided to reach out. Despite warnings from her colleagues and family members, Gifford felt compelled to offer her well wishes. She made a simple yet significant gesture by sending a message to Stern.
“I said, ‘Hey, it’s Kathie Lee,’” she recalled. “I thought it was about time. I said, ‘I want to wish you all the best with the new show.’”
This act of kindness was met with some skepticism from those around her. Her hairstylists and makeup artists questioned her decision, but Gifford stood by her choice, attributing it to divine inspiration. “They said, ‘Why’d you do that?’ I said, ‘God told me to.’”
The Surprise Voicemail
The next significant moment in their story came when Gifford received an unexpected voicemail from Stern. She was on a flight when the call came in from an unknown number. Initially, she didn’t answer, but later, she listened to the message, which turned out to be a heartfelt apology from Stern.
“He was saying, ‘I can’t believe how nice you were to me. I’ve been so rude to you and you were so nice. I just need to apologize to you. Please call me,’” Gifford recounted.
The voicemail was a shock to Gifford, who had not anticipated such a gesture from Stern. “Once I listened to it, I said to my kids at the table, ‘Well, pigs have now officially flown.’ But I just always believe God can touch anybody’s heart,” she shared.
However, she decided to ring Stern back up, and she said they had a productive conversation. During their phone call, she recalled the radio host asking her to forgive him
Responding to Stern
Despite the advice from her late husband Frank Gifford and her son Cody, who were hesitant about her reaching out due to Stern’s past behavior, Gifford decided to return the call. During their conversation, Stern expressed his desire for forgiveness. Gifford’s response was both surprising and generous.
“I just want you to know that I forgave you 30 years ago,” Gifford told Stern. “I’m really happy for you that you’re asking for forgiveness, because anytime we hurt somebody in life, it’s important to ask for forgiveness.”
Stern seemed taken aback by her response. “What?” he asked. Gifford continued, “I forgave you 30 years ago, and I’ve been praying for you every day since. And that’s the truth.”
A New Chapter
Following their phone call, Gifford invited Stern, whom she described as an “odd duck,” to her home for dinner. This gesture marked a new chapter in their relationship. In her memoir, Gifford reflects on their interactions, noting that while Stern had been critical of her in the past, she had managed to find common ground with him.
“I saw him a couple of times over at Sirius, and we were fine,” Gifford said. “I can get along with a rock. I can find something good in anybody. That’s what my faith teaches me.”
Gifford’s willingness to forgive and extend an olive branch is a reflection of her personal philosophy and her deep faith. Her story with Stern is a powerful example of how forgiveness can mend even the most fractured relationships.
In conclusion, Kathie Lee Gifford’s reconciliation with Howard Stern, as detailed in her memoir, offers a poignant lesson in the power of forgiveness and the impact of extending kindness even to those who have wronged us. Their story, which began with public animosity, evolved into a narrative of personal growth and reconciliation, highlighting the transformative power of grace and understanding.
