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Kathie Lee Gifford Expresses Gratitude For 'Outpouring Of Grace' Amid Husband's Death

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Kathie Lee Gifford took to Twitter Sunday afternoon to express gratitude for the outpouring of support she's received in the wake of her husband's death.

Frank Gifford, the Pro Football Hall of Famer, died at his Connecticut home of natural causes, the Associated Press reported, citing a statement from Gifford's family. He was 84.

Kathie Lee and Frank married in 1986, according to E! Online. Upon learning of his death, celebrities and the sports community alike also tweeted their condolences:

Gifford was a football star at the University of Southern California from 1949 to 1951. Gifford spent twelve seasons with the New York Giants and was named the NFL's MVP in 1956. He later became a television sports broadcaster and is best known for his work on "Monday Night Football."

CBS2 Sports Director Jim Hill personally knew Gifford and described him as a trailblazer.

"He was very elegant, he was very professional, and as far as my personal career is concerned, he had a profound impact on me professionally because Frank Gifford was a trailblazer," Hill said.

"I remember one time he would tell me, he would say, 'Jimmy, whatever you do, get up early, go to bed late, and work like heck in between,' " Hill recalled.

Gifford is survived by his wife, five children, and five grandchildren.

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