Kathie Lee Gifford - Kathie Lee Gifford Thought Martin Short's Wife Was Alive?

She began by asking Short about his children, but then awkwardly steered the conversation towards his late wife, saying, "And he and Nancie have one of the greatest marriages of anybody in show business. How many years now for you guys?". The use of the word 'have' appeared to suggest Kathie had failed to do her homework, and assumed Nancie was still alive. After a brief stumble, Short gave a straight answer, responding, "Um ... married 36 years". Still apparently clueless, Gifford asked, "But you're still in love?", to which Short replied "Madly in love", with the host pressing further, "Why?", and the actor replying, "Because I'm cute".

From there, the conversation fortunately moved on, and after a commercial break, Gifford apologized on air and explained that Short had informed her of his wife's passing.