The first production took place in December 2008 in Kendallville, Indiana at East Noble High School. The singer was converted to the faith at age twelve after seeing the movie, "The Restless Ones," depicting the throes of a young girl caught up in vices like drug addiction and fornication. Unfortunately, the authors dad passed away in 2002. Gifford's career took off in the 1970s as a vocalist on the game show Name That Tune with Tom Kennedy. The program went into national broadcast in 1988 as Live! She was devastated the day she had to tell her father his health was not going to improve. Kathies daughter is engaged to her long-term boyfriend Ben. There are special elements of his personality that had also stuck with Gifford as well. In a story posted on our website in While Kathie Lee Gifford's life may seem like one of glamour on the surface, if you peel back the layers it becomes clear that Gifford's life is also tragic. She told interviewer Larry King, "I was raised with many Jewish traditions and raised to be very grateful for my Jewish heritage."[6]. [32], Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford raised the money to build and continued to financially support two shelters in New York City for babies born with HIV, or a congenital crack cocaine addiction. Gifford later contacted Federal authorities to investigate the issue and worked with U.S. Federal legislative and executive branch agencies to support and enact laws to protect children against sweat shop conditions. (1994), Kathie Lee GiffordLooking for Christmas (1994), Regis and Kathie Lee: Mom's Dream Come True (1995), Kathie Lee's Rock n' Tots Cafe: Kathie Lee's Big Surprise (1996), The Line King: The Al Hirschfeld Story (1996), Kathie Lee Gifford: We Need a Little Christmas (1996), Kathie Lee Gifford: Just in Time for Christmas (1996), Oops! During one summer in the early 1970s, she was a live-in secretary/babysitter for Anita Bryant at her home in Miami. Three years later, the. He was content to sit in the back row and let others have the accolades and glory.". The man was selfless and never complained he had to experience such life situations and troubles. According to sources, she felt guilty that she couldnt save her father even though it wasnt her fault at all. The ads were the first cruise line ads to air on network television. However, contrary to the music star's revelation, several outlets have linked the 66-year-old with a younger man, Randy Cronk, a 57-year-old insurance agent. However, regret is not in the picture for the 66-year-old who is admittedly enjoying every bit of her new life. On an episode that aired March 27, 2010, she guest starred on The Suite Life on Deck, along with her real-life daughter, Cassidy. His other sibling came home wounded. In the weeks prior to Gifford's arrival, ratings indicated 1.9 million viewers of the fourth hour of Today. [44] Gifford later re-appears in the episodes "The City on the Edge of Forever", "The Return of Chef", "200" and "201". Throughout the 1990s, morning-TV viewers watched her descriptions of life at home with her sportscaster husband Frank, son Cody, and daughter Cassidy. With Ewart he had three children. "And no matter where I am, if I see somebody in uniform, I go and I thank them. Given her new understanding of the bible's teachings fueled by joint Israel pilgrimage with the late footballer, the icon pointed out that although many identified with Christianity as a religion, only a few understood its significance. They returned to the United . (Photo by Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images). Birth of Kathie Lee Gifford. "My father was without guile. They had two children together, Cody Newton and Cassidy Erin. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. During a visit to her former show, the talk show star shared with her former co-hosts, Jenner Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb, the beauties of her new town, describing it as a "different attitude.". Your email address will not be published. : Allison Spencer (2001, 1 episode), The Drew Carey Show: Vanessa Bobeck (2001, 1 episode), Higglytown Heroes: Mail Carrier (2004-2005, 2 episodes), That's So Raven: Claire (2005, 1 episode), Handy Manny: Mrs. Hillary (2006, 1 episode), Adventures of Serial Buddies (2011, Movie), Hot in Cleveland: Christal (2011, 1 episode), Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! Press Esc to cancel. [27], On April 16, 2007, Gifford was a guest presenter at the Washington, D.C. Helen Hayes Award Ceremony, honoring contributions and professional accomplishments in theatre. The celebritys son is the Gifford Media Group founder. She contributed a number of musical numbers to Hats, and wrote and produced Under The Bridge,[22] based upon the children's book The Family Under The Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson. Her death came two years after the passing of her husband, football player and sports commentator Frank Gifford, in 2015 at age 84. Aaron passed away in 2002. She also occasionally appeared on the first three hours of Today and was a contributing NBC News correspondent. He gave a try to different professions, including assistant professor, coach, athletic director, etc. 185.6.10.248 Its Christmas Time 1993 Warner Bros. Records. Her father was stationed as a Navy officer in France and other European nations, where she grew up. Kathie Lee Gifford at the Changemaker cocktail reception on June 10, 2016, in Connecticut | Photo: Getty Images. Before her long stint in talk shows, Gifford's first television exposure was that of Tom Kennedy's singer/sidekick on Name That Tune, from 1974-78. In an August 2007 interview with the New York Post, Kathie Lee Gifford revealed the reason why she left the television show Live with Regis Philbin in 2000. Shortly after the death of Kathie Lee Gifford's partner of nearly thirty years, the icon decided to embrace the positive side of her widowhood, thereby beginning a new chapter in her life. She has remained unmarried ever since. I know how fragile life is. having to explain things," Kathie Lee said. Not only her talent, but the girls appearance is evaluated worthily: in 2015, the Esquire magazine chose the actress as one of the eighteen beautiful American women that summer. What is the stars mother known for? Kathie Lee Gifford is paying tribute to her mother, Joan Epstein. She is a recipient of the Mousecar Award (as in "Oscar"), a silver Mickey Mouse statue award that was personally designed by Walt Disney himself. Gifford intends to make movies about the experiences of losing a loved one and being a widow, which she considers an underrepresented topic in Hollywood. She is mostly known for her parts in Twisted Sister, Ten: Murder Island, and others. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Kathie Lee Gifford and Frank Gifford, at the opening night of "Cyrano De Bergerac" at the Richard Rodgers Theatre November 1, 2007 | Photo: GettyImages. On June 24, 1985, she replaced Ann Abernathy as co-host of The Morning Show on WABC-TV with Regis Philbin. The Gifford-Kotb hour had been hailed as appointment television by Entertainment Weekly, and "TODAY's happy hour" by USA Today. Labor activist Charles Kernaghan spoke to the media and accused Gifford of being responsible for the sweatshop management activity. Gifford addressed Kernaghan's allegations on the air during Live, explaining that she was not involved with hands-on project management in factories. Father of Kathie Lee Gifford; Private and Private [39], Kathie Lee married Paul Johnson, a composer/arranger/producer/publisher, in 1976. She also was the face of Carnival Cruise Lines in the late 1980s and early 1990s, singing "If my friends could see me now!" Gifford's career took off in the 1970s (during her first marriage to Christian composer/arranger/producer/publisher Paul Johnson) as a vocalist on the game show Name That Tune with Tom Kennedy (she performed the "sing a tune" segment as Kathie Lee Johnson). Aaron Epstein was stationed with his family in France at the time of Gifford's birth. It was to be with her father, who was dying of Lewy body disease. In 1970, Gifford represented Maryland in America's Junior Miss Pageant. Kathie Lee Gifford Reveals that Her Father Died of LBD In an August 2007 interview with the New York Post, Kathie Lee Gifford revealed the reason why she left the television show Live with Regis Philbin in 2000. Television presenter, singer, and songwriter, Kathie Lee Gifford has been open about her take on religion, as well as the commitment to her faith. In the late 1990s, Gifford began working in musical theatre. She attended Bowie High School in Maryland, and studied drama and music at Oral . In return, the 66-year-old lived and worked for the Bryants as a babysitter, while performing in churches. Explaining her deep passion for the faith, the presenter recounted how she embraced the bible since becoming a Christian at twelve, recalling her first visit to Israel at the expense of her high school graduation. Kathie Lee Gifford 's mother, Joan Epstein, has died. ", 'SPICE GIRLS' MEL B, JAMIE LYNN SPEARS AND MORE LEARN LIMITS BY SPECIAL FORCES OPERATIVES ON SURVIVAL SHOW, Kathie Lee Gifford is remembering her father, Aaron Epstein, on Veterans Day. Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, Aaron Epstein, Epstein (born Cuttell), Cody Newton Gifford, Cassidy Erin Gifford, Aug 16 1953 - Paris, Ile-de-France, France, Aug 16 1953 - Paris, le-de-France, France, Aaron Epstein, Joan Epstein (born Cuttell), Aaron Epstein, Cuttell (Epstein), Cody Newton Gifford, Erin Cassidy Gifford, Aaron Leon Epstein, Joan Epstein (born Cuttell), Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14118434/joan-l.-epstein, Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. More recently, the 4th hour of Today has averaged 2.148 million total viewers, an increase of 26 percent over those 2008 numbers. David Paul Epstein (brother born to same parents). Following their split, Kathie admitted that the union was a show-biz marriage, aimed at achieving a professional breakthrough, which they accomplished. Though the situation was at times grim, Gifford said her father never complained once, despite the illness and its effects on his body. In 1994, she appeared as herself in an episode of the NBC sitcom Seinfeld. Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford raised the money to build and continue to financially support two shelters in New York City for babies born with HIV or a congenital crack cocaine addiction. Kathie Lee Gifford attends the 41st Annual Gracie Awards Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on May 24, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California | Photo: Getty Images. Kathie Lee Gifford's father passed away in 2002 at age 78. to have that time with him without cameras in my face and without Bio: Kathie Lee Gifford (born Kathryn Lee Epstein in Paris, France on August 16, 1953) is an American TV host, singer, songwriter, comedian, and actress. Despite her steadfast devotion to the things of God, the 66-year-old has an aversion to being categorized under the umbrella of "religion. Gifford's father, Aaron Epstein, died in 2002. Kathie was born to her parents, Joan and Aaron Epstein. The patriarch served for 20 years in the Navy. The premiere starred Tony-nominated actress Carolee Carmello in the lead role. "We praise God for His promise of eternal life & we thank God for her.". August 3, 1996, Page A10. ", In 1996, the National Labor Committee, a human rights group, reported that sweatshop labor was used to make clothes for the Kathie Lee line, sold at Wal-Mart. able to die with the dignity in which he had lived his life." She regularly makes appearances at fund raisers and events for the child abuse prevention and treatment organization and is an ardent supporter. "I knew it was going to be a horrendous family experience. During a summer in the early 1970s, she was a live in secretary/babysitter for Anita Bryant at her home in Miami. The former "Today" co-host, born in 1953 in Paris, France, to parents, Joan Cuttell and Aaron Epstein adopted a Christian way of life right from her childhood, despite growing up with a Jewish background. After high school graduation in 1971, Gifford attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, studying drama and music. The show's ratings decreased after Gifford's arrival, having drawn 1.9 million viewers the weeks before her arrival and 1.7 million a few months after, although the network maintains that the drop in viewers was seasonal and unrelated to the on-air talent. Type above and press Enter to search. Instead of focusing on the negativity of their situation, he reassured her that theyd all get through it together. Click to reveal How old is Kathie Lee Gifford? Its symptoms are similar to Parkinsons and Alzheimers illnesses. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Sister of Private and Private, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathie_Lee_Gifford. 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. [25] The show, retitled as Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson, ran on Broadway from November 15, 2012, through December 9, 2012,[26] with Carmello reprising her role as McPherson. She appeared with President Bill Clinton at the White House in support of the government's initiatives to counter international sweatshop abuses. [7] Gifford wound up winning the poll,[8][9] receiving more than four times as many votes as the runners-up, Jaclyn Smith and Nicollette Sheridan.[7]. - Age She is 68 years old as of 16 August 2021. She played the role of Miss Hannigan in a concert performance of Annie at Madison Square Garden in December 2006. Because the 4th hour of Today airs live at 10:00am EST, and Live with Regis and Kelly airs live at 9:00am EST, Gifford's hour will not compete directly with her former show in most markets. Charles Kernaghan's human rights group called the National Labor Committee reported that sweatshop labor was being used in manufacturing the Kathie Lee Gifford branded clothing. The only thing Epstein ever requested was that he not be left alone. TODAY 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.,. She told interviewer Larry King, "I was raised with many Jewish traditions and raised to be very grateful for my Jewish heritage." Her Lindsey Vonn Family: Uniteness in Every Photo, Lonzo Ball, Young American Sportsman & His Star-Family. In September 2005 she became a special correspondent on The Insider, a syndicated entertainment magazine television show, ending her relationship with that program upon her co-hosting role with Today. Kotb and Gifford replaced Ann Curry and Natalie Morales. In September 2005 she became a special correspondent on The Insider, a syndicated entertainment magazine television show, ending her relationship with that program upon her co-hosting role with Today. Her mother was a singer whilst her father was a musician and ex-US Navy Chief Petty Officer. The Today show anchor, 64, took to Twitter Tuesday to share that her mother had passed away. In 1978, she joined the cast of the short-lived Hee Haw spinoff, Hee Haw Honeys. The man was known as one of the most valuable NFL players. The man was selfless and never complained he had to experience such life situations and troubles. Kathie Lee Gifford attends the 41st Annual Gracie Awards at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 24, 2016 | Photo: GettyImages. Frank had roles in several movies, including All American, Three Days of Rain, and Beatles Stories, etc. Your email address will not be published. Gifford's paternal grandfather was of Russian Jewish descent and her paternal grandmother was of Native American ancestry. Hoda once revealed that her faith in God was threatened at some point in her life, but was reaffirmed after the adoption of her daughter, Haley Joy, born on February 14, 2017. Her great sense of humor was a household word in the family. With over twenty years of being on the scene, Kathie Lee is known in different roles to the public. When questioned about her love quest, the actress gave an elusive reply, chanting the lyrics, "You don't find love. But let's not forget his undying love for pork and sauerkraut, either! The Kathies mothers birthplace was Brooklyn, but Joan didnt spend her childhood there, soon a family moved to Washington D.C. Joan lived at the BayWoods community in Annapolis for the last fifteen years of her life. Brother of Rosa Lillian Epstein; Paul Herschel Epstein; Carol V Epstein and Private. The only thing he was afraid of was to stay alone. Her book regarding the Christian faith, The Jesus I Know: Honest Conversations and Diverse Opinions about Who He Is was released in 2021. I still, to this day, struggle with guilt that my love just wasn't enough," Mader said. And he continues to inspire her to honor our troops. with Regis and Kathie Lee. Mader remembers her father as an extremely intelligent man, even up until the day he passed away. On April 30, 2013, Carmello received her third Tony Award nomination for the performance. Gifford explained during this broadcast that she was not responsible for the contract manufacturers that made her products. She was a member of the Today crew when she won her first Daytime Emmy in 2010, and she has been nominated for 11 Daytime Emmys overall. Besides, she has participated in various TV projects, including Blue Bloods, Thats So Raven, The Baxters, etc. Kathie Lee Gifford speaks during the SiriusXM "Town Hall" Series with Victoria Osteen and Joel Osteen at the SiriusXM studios on October 1, 2018 | Photo: GettyImages. At the time of Gifford's birth, Aaron Epstein was stationed in France with his family. And so, we just dont understand in our world today the kind of sacrifice that was made war is ugly, but the sacrifices and the bravery and the devotion to a cause there are beautiful things to find, even in the ugly struggle of it. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. IE 11 is not supported. Last family photo and the last Christmas with my Kathie Lee Gifford spent with her dad. Word has it that actress Estelle Getty has LBD. Does Chloe Rose Lattanzi have any siblings? with Regis and Kathie Lee from 1985 to 2000. "I wanted my daddy to be The perfect tummy control bodysuit, a popcorn gadget, more bestsellers starting at $8. If she's good, she will help us.". And so he went into the Navy [he] ended up actually in Paris, France, early on in his naval career on General Eisenhowers staff after World War II at Shape Headquarters. Her father, Aaron Epstein, died in 2002. Kathie Lee Gifford attends Citymeals' 32nd power lunch for women at The Rainbow Room on November 14, 2018, in New York City. "My daddy is one of those people, like so many, when Pearl Harbor happened, he was just 17 years old and lied about his age. Some love her for being a talented speaker and TV presenter. [45], "Kathie Lee" redirects here. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Despite witnessing the ugliness of war, Gifford said her father was "the kindest, best man Ive ever known." The star, 69, said that Epstein served his country "with great pride," because her grandfather had escaped the "pogroms," or violence by Russian authorities against Jewish people. or redistributed. [37] One of the workers, Wendy Diaz, came to the United States to testify about the conditions under which she worked. . (Photo by Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images), Kathie Lee Gifford celebrates Veterans Day by remembering her late father: I know how fragile life is, Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe reveals 'promise' she made to mother before her death, Emma Stones 'And' co-star Willem Dafoe had her slap him 20 times to get scene right, Prince Harry's 'attacks' on 'villain' Camilla led to Frogmore Cottage eviction: expert, Film industry reacts to death of 'Saving Private Ryan' star Tom Sizemore: 'You're a legend', Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves take bumpy second flight after 'CHAOS' on Lufthansa plane: 'Wish me luck'. Kathie Lee Gifford is remembering her father, Aaron Epstein, on Veterans Day. The 66-year-old admitted that the move from her decades-long home in Greenwich was made because she was dying of loneliness. Ex-wife of Private Genealogy for Aaron Leon Epstein (1924 - 2002) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. They also shared a birthday: August 16. Here's the bad news, I'm a widow, an orphan, and an empty nester. He served 20 years in the Navy. : (2015, TV Movie), Come to the Garden: Reader/Singer (2016, Movie: Voice), Sharknado 5: Global Warming: (2017, TV Movie), Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce: (2014-2017, 3 episodes), A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love: Olga (2019, TV Movie), Kathie Lee Gifford's Celebration of Motherhood (1993), Kathie Lee's Rock n' Tots Cafe: A Christmas "Giff" (1995), A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love (2019), Regis and Kathie Lee: Special Edition (1988), Children's Miracle Network Telethon (1990), Victory & Valor: Special Olympics World Games (1991), Walt Disney World's 20th Celebration (1991), A Musical Christmas at Walt Disney World (1993), The Annual Friars Club Tribute Presents a Salute to Barbara Walters (1994), All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever! [31], Gifford is a celebrity ambassador for the non-profit organization Childhelp. Her father, Aaron Epstein, reported for duty the day after Pearl Harbor. "Jesus & Pop Pop are much cooler, anyhow and I . The former 'Today' co-host is honoring her father, Aaron Epstein, who passed away in 2002, at age 78, of Lewy body dementia. ", Kathie Lee Gifford arrives at The Cantinas Arts Foundation COTA Celebration of the Arts on September 15, 2018 | Photo: GettyImages. Both parents were American citizens. . Hoda and Kathie Lee ran the "Today" show together for eleven years, winning the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host In 2019. "My father knew antisemitism, and he knew struggle, he knew pain and all kinds of things," she explained. Speaking on the relationship, the "Today" star noted that it was "fun" and "fine," but her busy life soon came to play, causing a premature ending. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. [13][14] On December 11, 2018, it was announced that she would be leaving Today in April 2019. On April 28, 2021, Gifford was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the television industry. Gifford wrote the book and lyrics for Saving Aimee, a stage musical about evangelist Aimee McPherson, which premiered in 2007 at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia. The songwriter is now living her dreams in Nashville, enjoying a life she could have only dreamed of while pursuing career endeavors in faith-based movies, music, and writing before running out of time to do them. On October 18, 1986, Kathie Lee married a second time, this time to Frank Gifford, an American football player and television sports commentator. The award was presented personally by Disney's CEO, Michael Eisner, who said that only five had been given out previously. She regularly makes appearances at fund raisers and events for the child abuse prevention and treatment organization and is an ardent supporter. Kathie Lee Gifford AKA Kathryn Lee Epstein Born: 16-Aug - 1953 Birthplace: Paris, France Gender: Female Religion: Born-Again Christian Race or Ethnicity: White Sexual orientation: Straight Occupation: Talk Show Host Nationality: United States Executive summary: Half of Regis and Kathie Lee Father: Aaron Leon Epstein (d. 19-Nov-2002) One of the workers, Wendy Diaz, came to the United States to testify about the conditions under which she worked. ", "I want to wish everybody out there who is serving or has served in the past, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart," the mother of two shared. Click to reveal That same year, she also filmed a Hallmark Christmas movie for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries called A Godwink Christmas. While having a sit down with CBN News to discuss her best-selling book titled "The Rock, The Road And The Rabbi," television personality, Kathie Lee Gifford, opened up about her faith in God, which she has nurtured since she was twelve. By then, Anita had secured her a full scholarship at the Evangelical Oral Roberts University, Tusla, majoring in drama and music. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2c3c9109fed933 Kathryn Lee Gifford ( ne Epstein; born August 16, 1953) [1] is a French television presenter, singer, songwriter, actress and author. Sources of all info and statistics are newspapers, books, resumes or social media. [41][42] In 2017, she released "He Saw Jesus", a very personal song Kathie Lee co-wrote (with songwriter Brett James) and dedicated to her husband. The former Today contributor began working with the late Who Wants to Be a Millionaire host in 1985, when they co-anchored The Morning Show for New York City's ABC station. I [say], Thank you for your service. I dont take my great gifts and privileges and rights for granted at all. Gifford was born Kathryn Lee Epstein in Paris, France, to American parents, Joan (born Cuttell; January 20, 1930 September 12, 2017), a singer and Aaron Epstein (March 19, 1924 November 19, 2002), a musician and former US Navy Chief Petty Officer. Michie is married. "My precious mother, JOANNIE went home to JESUS & my DADDY this morning," Gifford tweeted at the time. Like his ex-wife, Paul is a multi-experienced worker. Estelle Getty is best known for playing Sophia on Kathie Lee was 23 years younger than Frank. Daughter of Aaron Leon Epstein and Joan L. Epstein She was invited to Good Morning America when a producer heard her host an A.M. radio show. [10] Gifford left the show on July 28, 2000. On June 24, 1985, Gifford replaced Ann Abernathy as co-host of The Morning Show on WABC-TV with Regis Philbin. The 57-year-old was soon tagged Kathie Lee Gifford's boyfriend. What is Known About Gilmore Girls Lauren Grahams Family? The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Kathie Lee Gifford parents Aaron Leon Epstein (father) Date of Birth: March 19, 1924 Date of Death: November 19, 2002 (age 78) Zodiac sign: Pisces Aaron has always been a great sample and role model for his daughter. Following her divorce from Johnson in 1983, Gifford met sports commentator Frank Gifford (born August 16, 1930) during an episode of ABC's Good Morning America; the couple married in 1986. Their Relation Explored Television character Kathie Lee Gifford isn't connected with the perished agent, Jeffrey Epstein. 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He went on to serve 20 years in the Navy. Joan was born on January 20, 1930, and died on September 12, 2017, whereas Aaron was born on March 19, 1924, and died on November 19, 2002. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Besides, he was occupied with activities as a TV sports commentator and an actor. Kathie Lee Gifford's father Aaron Leon Epstein, was an American naval officer and weekend jazz saxophonist. The "Today" co-host tweeted Tuesday that her 87-year-old mother had passed away. Born Kathie Lee Epstein on Aug. 16, 1953 in Paris, France, she spent a portion of her childhood stationed at Naval bases in Europe before her family settled in Bowie, MD.