Regis Philbin, Hoda, Ellen & More Comment on Passing of Frank Gifford

Pro Football Hall of Famer, TV commentator and husband to Kathie Lee Gifford Frank Gifford passed away over the weekend at the age of 84 according to a statement from NBC News and his family.

Gifford's family issued the following statement through NBC on Sunday:

"It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford. Frank died suddenly this beautiful Sunday morning of natural causes at his Connecticut home. We rejoice in the extraordinary life he was privileged to live, and we feel grateful and blessed to have been loved by such an amazing human being. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers."

In an interview with ET, Regis Philbin, a close friend of Gifford and his wife Kathie Lee, whom he co-hosted Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee with for many years, shared his thoughts on yesterday's sad news:

"I've spent most of my life watching Frank. From the time he brought his Southern Cal team into Notre Dame stadium in 1949, I watched him through all those pro football years with the New York Giants and, of course, heard him with Don Meredith and Howard Cosell in calling football games that could never be duplicated again," Regis shared. "That's how good they were."

"Kathie Lee and I were working together on our LIVE morning show when she started dating Frank. I always loved trying to get her to tell me about her new romance and it wasn't long before we were watching them take their vows in front of close friends in Southhampton," Regis continued. "Frank had a great life and he and Kathie Lee raised two beautiful children, Cody and Cassidy. All of us will miss him terribly."

Other friends of Gifford took to Twitter to share their sorrow:

Ellen DeGeneres: Sending love to @KathieLGifford over the loss of her husband, Frank. You are in our thoughts today.

Joan Lunden: My prayers are with you @KathieLGifford & your children at the passing of your wonderful husband & legend Frank Gifford.

Robin Roberts: Sad to hear that #FrankGifford has passed away. Honored to have worked w/ him & Jim Mckay. Thinking of Kathie Lee.

Meredith Vieira: So heartbroken to learn of Frank Gifford's passing. He was a true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to @KathieLGifford and family

Hoda Kotb: This is how I will remember #frankgifford -- always making us laugh. But today I am heartbroken -- love u klg xoxo

Al Roker: I will always remember Frank Gifford's grace, self-deprecating wit and love of his family. So much to so many.

Gifford was with the New York Giants 1952-60, 1962- 64, missing one year because of an injury. He won the league's Most Valuable Player Award in 1956 and left the Giants with all-time records for touchdowns, 78, and yards gained in pass receiving. He became a part-time broadcaster for CBS in 1957, went full-time in 1965, and moved to ABC in 1971. He was on ABC's MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL and Wide World of Sports. Gifford received the Emmy Award for sports commentary in 1971 and the Christopher Award in 1974. He was elected to the COLLEGE FOOTBALL Hall of Fame in 1975, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. The NFL Alumni group gave him its Achievement Award in 1985. Gifford served as chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New York. The society in 1984 established a $100,000 grant for research in his name. Gifford wrote four books, of which the best known are "Gifford on Courage" and "The Whole Ten Yards."

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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