Martin Short Accepts Kathie Lee Gifford’s Apology For Questions About Late Wife (Video)

Martin Short is continuing his off-screen role as the consummate professional.

During an appearance on NBC’s Today show Wednesday, co-host Kathie Lee Gifford asked Short about his late wife in a line of questioning that made it clear she was unaware that the comedian’s wife was no longer living.

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Gifford complimented Short and his wife for their strong marriage and jokingly asked why the couple were still madly in love after 36 years together.  Short responded graciously and waited until after the segment to tell Gifford that his wife, Nancy Dolman, had died of ovarian cancer in 2010.

Asked about his poised response, the Madagascar 3 star said situations like that are just part of the business.

“On live television, people make mistakes. There’s no ill will intended,” Short said in an interview with E! News. “It’s nice to aspire to be kind of elegant.”

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After realizing her mistake, Gifford apologizes, telling the Today audience she felt “so badly” about it, and later tweeting: “I send my sincerest apologies to @MartinShort and his family. He handled situation w/enormous grace and kindness and I’m so grateful.”

Watch the videos below.

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