Since this photo 7 more great grandchildren have been born. The only thing Epstein ever requested was that he not be left alone. Kathie Lee Gifford's father Aaron Leon Epstein, was an American naval officer and weekend jazz saxophonist. Kathie Lee Gifford`s maiden name, at least her stage name, was Johnson. He was a servant to not only our family but to friends and strangers alike. Initially, like many others, Epstein was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, until doctors later realized that Epstein was actually fighting Lewy Body Disease. I still, to this day, struggle with guilt that my love just wasn't enough," Mader said. She aided her mother with household responsibilities like shopping, cleaning and cooking. Instead of focusing on the negativity of their situation, he reassured her that they’d all get through it together. Nor is he related … "Michie has got a servant's heart and nothing is closer to God than a person with a serving heart," she said. Watch TODAY All Day! Mader remembers her father as an extremely intelligent man, even up until the day he passed away. TODAY. "He had more integrity in his baby finger than most people have in a lifetime.". Get the best news, information and inspiration from TODAY, all day long. ... KATHIE LEE GIFFORD WAS AN EPSTEIN FIRST. He was selfless and kind," she said. Gifford said her sister is her hero for the way she, like her father, acted selflessly. In that moment, Gifford promised him that going forward, he would always be in the presence of someone that loved him. She has many vibrant memories of her father, most of which were his outlook on life and the valuable lessons she's learned. There are special elements of his personality that had also stuck with Gifford as well. Aaron Epstein died on November 19, 2002 at age 78 of Lewy Body Dementia, a disease that affects roughly 1.4 million people in the U.S., according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Last family photo and the last Christmas with my Kathie Lee Gifford spent with her dad. "My father was without guile. Tuesday on TODAY, Gifford shared the significance of family meals and why this one was her father's favorite recipes. Michie Mader, Gifford's sister, took on the responsibility of being his primary caretaker. Make sure to do something special for your father this weekend and honor the man that has helped you become the person you are today. Father’s Day is a celebration of dads everywhere; a chance to reflect on how our lives have been shaped by the men we care about most.
And for Kathie Lee Gifford, remembering her father is marked by his selfless acts of kindness and important lessons passed on. He was content to sit in the back row and let others have the accolades and glory.". "It was as natural as taking my next breath and my precious husband didn't hesitate either. KLG makes her dad’s favorite pork and sauerkraut recipe.
Aaron Epstein was stationed with his family in France at the time of Gifford's birth. "He was the most ethical person I’ve ever met in my life," she said. It was an emotional journey, but one she felt privileged to be on for the seven months she spent living with her parents. Joan Epstein, left, was the mother of television personality Kathie Lee Gifford, right. Kathryn Lee Gifford (née Epstein; born August 16, 1953) is an American television presenter, singer, songwriter, occasional actress and author.She is best known for her 15-year run (1985–2000) on the talk show Live! She managed her father's medications and brought him to doctors appointments. "I know in my intellect that it wasn't my fault, but my heart just won't catch up.". He never boasted about his own accomplishments or those of his wife or children. "I have never known a kinder man. She was devastated the day she had to tell her father his health was not going to improve. That made it incredibly difficult for Mader to process her father's death. -- Donna Smith, Fort Lauderdale A. Kathie Lee Gifford, born Kathryn Lee Epstein in Paris, France, is the daughter of Joan (née Cuttell; born January 20, 1930), a singer, and Aaron Epstein (March 19, 1924 – November 19, 2002), a musician and former U.S. Navy officer. He loved my father like his own.". But let's not forget his undying love for pork and sauerkraut, either! "I remember when he died, thinking that all the love and care still wasn't enough to save his life. Though the situation was at times grim, Gifford said her father never complained once, despite the illness and its effects on his body.