Kathie Lee Gifford's Family Expands: Cassidy Welcomes Rosie Mae; Baby Names Steal the Show

“Rosie Mae Wierda! Born at 9:59 a.m. on 6/03/2025. You are a million prayers answered, Rosie girl. We love you so much.” And with those sweet words, Cassidy Gifford gave the world a glimpse into her newest delight, announcing the birth of her second child a little girl on Instagram, and immediately melting hearts all around the globe. The update was more than a simple announcement; it was a rejoicing of love, of hope, of the enchantment of new beginnings.

The Gifford family tree is in full bloom. Cassidy and husband Ben Wierda brought home their first child, Finn Thomas, only two years ago, and now Rosie Mae comes along to join the party. The pictures Cassidy posted one of her newborn’s wee hand curled over her thumb created a wave of love from her fans and family members alike. But the actual star of the moment could be Kathie Lee Gifford herself, who’s officially a grandmother, or “Bubbe,” for the fourth time.

Kathie Lee’s response? Sheer, unadulterated joy. “I am overjoyed at the beautiful birth of my first granddaughter, Miss Rosie MAE. She is beyond gorgeous just like her Mama and we are praising God for the birth and the health of both Mama and baby,” she blurted to TODAY.com, her voice filled with thankfulness and pride. This is the same Kathie Lee who, upon meeting her first grandchild, Frankie, once told us, “Every moment is a gift,” and who now gets to see her family’s next generation grow ever larger and brighter.

There’s something unique about the names in this family, too. Frankie, Cody and Erika’s oldest son, is named for Kathie Lee’s late husband, NFL legend Frank Gifford. It’s a reference to heritage and affection, the kind of consideration naming that’s sweeping the nation. Celebrity baby name trends indicate themes and narratives are hot consider nature, family history, or even a humorous twist on convention. Rosie Mae’s name is right at home, mixing old-school appeal with a fresh, sing-songy sound that’s completely on point for 2025. As Nameberry’s latest list notes, moms and dads are going for names that are safe, but also significant and rooted in their heritage precisely the sort of energy Rosie Mae introduces to the Gifford family.

But the baby boom doesn’t end there. Cody Gifford and his wife Erika are having their third child, and the excitement of the family is palpable. “Our little blessing on the way was prayed for, dreamed of, and is already so deeply loved,” Erika posted recently in an Instagram video, her happiness practically jumping off the screen. Kathie Lee added, too: “I am beyond filled with joy that this magnificent secret is finally out!” The anticipation is real, and so is the love that surrounds each new arrival.

If you’re keeping count, that’s four grandchildren for Kathie Lee: Frankie, Ford, Finn, and now Rosie Mae, with another on the way. The family’s group chats must be wild, and the holidays? Pure chaos in the best possible way. Grandparenting, it turns out, is more than just a title for Kathie Lee. She’s taken on the role with open arms and an open heart, even though her nickname of choice, “Bubbe,” has been sidesplittingly mispronounced by the kids as “Boobie.” (“Which is, I guess, okay,” she chuckled on TODAY.) Beyond the guffaws, though, is a profound sense of purpose. “I’m just so grateful for them. They’re precious and they give me a purpose to get up every morning when everything else is just not the same for me,” she said to PEOPLE, pointing out the way that grandchildren can bring new meaning and happiness into the later chapters of life.

It’s not all about the cuddles and adorable photos, though. Studies have found that grandparent engagement can make a huge difference to a child’s emotional, mental, and social development. Grandparents and grandchildren share the care and nurturing bond, which is associated with improved mental health, higher self-esteem, and even healthier lifestyle. According to Psychology Today, these are “an antidote to loneliness or isolation” for grandparents but provide children with a sense of family legacy and belonging.

Kathie Lee’s own grandparenting philosophy? “Be a blessing. Laugh, giggle and dream with them.” She wants to help her kids establish their own family traditions, lending a hand but never doing it for them. It isn’t about me, frankly it’s about them, she said to TODAY Parents, something that makes perfect sense to anyone who’s seen their family evolve and change over the years. And don’t forget the baby names. The Giffords’ selections Frankie, Ford, Finn, and Rosie Mae are a lesson in blending tradition and trend. The names pay homage to loved ones, inspire warmth and comfort, and are perfectly at home in an era where celebrity baby names become increasingly creative and meaningful every year.

Whether you’re team vintage, team nature, or just love a good family story, there’s something inspiring about the way this family chooses names that tell a story. As the Gifford family expands, so does the love and the legacy. Rosie Mae’s arrival is more than yet another cute baby announcement. It’s a reminder that family, in all its messy, joyful, ever-growing glory, is something to be celebrated, cherished, and, yes, named with care.