Kathie Lee Gifford Suffered a 'Sexless' Marriage After Witnessing a Self-Satisfying Man

Kathie Lee Gifford shared details about her first marriage decades after it ended. Although she did not spill the beans to the press, she gave a detailed recap in her recent publication titled "It's Never Too Late."

Kathie Lee Gifford was born in France but is an American who has established a multimillion-dollar fortune over the years. She is famous for her appearance on the talk show "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee."

Gifford has proven herself worthy of fame through her resume. In addition to her on-screen career, she is a singer, songwriter, and author. The multi-faceted entertainer is 68, but she has chosen to continue to bless the world with her string of talents.

Recently, Gifford published a book where she shared some hidden truths about her life. One truth she preserved pertained to her first failed marriage to Paul Johnson.

Many would have thought that Gifford had enjoyed her career with no hassle. After all, she has a charming personality, gorgeous face, and seemingly great life with her two kids from a second marriage.

However, the star confessed that things were much different in her new book. She argues that she has been through a horrible fire that reconfigured her reality but eventually resulted in her happiness.

HER FIRST MARRIAGE

Gifford explained that her first marriage was not as perfect as she had envisaged. She was married to Composer Paul Johnson for more than five years.

Shared faith attracted the pair to each other, and they vowed to honor their Christain belief by maintaining celibacy until marriage. When they met, they were both virgins.

They met in 1973 when Gifford was studying at Oral Roberts University. Her new friend was affiliated with the University founder's son. Shortly after their first meeting, the student attended a Bible study at Johnson's residence.

The young believers gave themselves three years before solidifying a lifetime partnership — their marriage. After exchanging vows, Gifford thought it would be time to act as husband and wife, but Johnson shocked her by showing no interest.

She moved from their matrimonial bedroom into the guest room a year later, where she remained until their marriage ended. Although they had visited a counselor to seek advice, it proved futile.

According to Gifford, the therapist blamed her for the state of her marriage and advised she become a stay-at-home wife. However, the composer objected to this arrangement, exclaiming that he had no intention of keeping her from her job.

After the session, the couple failed to talk about the episode or even address their marital struggles. From then onwards, things worsened; they lived like strangers, were never intimate, and barely spoke.

Gifford did not like the atmosphere in her home, but she did not consider divorce either. Instead, she wanted to uphold her Christain beliefs by believing that God would rescue the failed marriage.

She was also concerned about her reputation. The actress revealed that divorce bore a stigma at the time, and she did not want to be the first person in her family to go down such a road.

Consequently, she continued in the sexless and seemingly loveless marriage and only escaped during her time at work. However, in 1982, Johnson ended the union without her consent or knowledge.

HOW GIFFORD'S FIRST HUSBAND DIVORCED HER

Johnson waited for his wife to go on one of her work trips before acting. When she came home, Gifford saw a "completely trashed" house. The author added that she felt they were victims of a vicious robbery.

But after moving around and finding that some equipment like the piano was missing, she concluded that it was Johnson's execution — he had left her. The composer left a brief note on the kitchen counter.

The note implied that Johnson had planned his actions for a long time. The man also added a phone number for emergencies. Gifford maintained that she could not and still cannot comprehend his note.

GIFFORD'S LIFE AFTER MARRIAGE

After Johnson's exit, Gifford cleaned her home and faced her life. In a short time, she debuted her first temporary gig, which set her on a life of opportunities and, eventually, achievements in her career and personal life.

Four years after her divorce, she said "I do" to Frank Gifford, who remained the love of her life until his death. The couple shared two kids.

In 2011, the TV personality met Johnson. They exchanged pleasantries, hugged each other, but maintained silence on their past. Gifford would later learn that her ex-husband became a marriage counselor after their separation.

GIFFORD FACED A STRING OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Amid her neglected marriage, the actress strived to find true love and make meaning of her career. She did not wallow in regret or self-pity. Also, her confident personality made it possible to withstand the obstacles on her way to the top.

In 2017, she revealed that she was a victim of sexual harassment at age 21. The sad incident happened when she got a call from Harvey Weinstein, who promised to manage her career. They met in his home because he claimed his office was under construction.

At his home, Weinstein acted inappropriately by allegedly forcing the young star to watch him as he masturbated. In the end, she had the choice of leaving without getting raped, and she remains grateful for that.

This revelation is synonymous with allegations levied on Weinstein by famous faces like Lauren Sivan and Ashley Judd. Weinstein denied some of the allegations but has apologized for some, adding that he would get professional help.

Bill Cosby, another friend, and mentor to Gifford, allegedly tried to have a sexual relationship by kissing her without permission. The actress claimed that she had stopped him, and he respected her decision.

However, over the years, the famous comedian Bill Cosby was also convicted of many harassment cases. Cosby was sentenced to years in jail after several women proved the authenticity of their stories.

She was harassed more than twice. The first time, earlier in her career, an unnamed man placed his hands on her lap in a car. Thankfully, things have turned around for Gifford, who is making an impact by sharing her story!