Cassidy Gifford and Ben Wierda Expecting First Child Together

Cassidy Gifford and Ben Wierda have some exciting news for their followers – the couple is pregnant! The lovebirds made the announcement on Instagram, sharing a photo of a miniature stocking hanging in-between two larger stockings by a fireplace – which is an adorable way to announce it, by the way!

“A whole lot extra to be praising Jesus for this Christmas. Our little peanut arriving June 2023 Jeremiah 1:5,” Cassidy wrote in the caption. Jeremiah 1:5 is a Bible verse that reads, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Cassidy Gifford is the 29-year-old daughter of actress, singer, and TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford and late Hall of Fame NFL player Frank Gifford. Ben Wierda, on the other hand, is the grandson of famed engineer Edgar Prince and nephew of politician Betsy DeVos and former SEAL officer Erik Prince.

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Cassidy and Ben have been best friends for the longest time, initially meeting nearly two decades ago. At first, there wasn’t any love interest as the two enjoyed their friendship for what it was. Despite a three-year age gap, they ‘hit it off’ before they were both teens and have only grown closer ever since. 

“We actually met when Ben was 13 and I was 10. Our moms met through a mutual friend in the Florida Keys, and my family would always go for the holidays. Their kids matched up with ages with my brother and I. You don’t always get along with your family friends’ kids, but we hit it off,” Cassidy told PEOPLE.

After more than a decade of friendship, the two finally struck up a romance in 2015 and eventually got engaged in the fall of 2019. They officially got married in June 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, opting to have a second ceremony in November 2021 where friends and family were included.

“It was very quick. It was only after seven months of dating, which I know sounds very quick, but at that point, we already had done so much life together and knew each other so well for so long. Once we started dating, it was kind of a no-brainer for us. We were in it and in it completely,” Cassidy continued.

Cassidy Gifford Following in Her Mother’s Footsteps

In September, Cassidy Gifford was surprised by her mother, Kathie Lee Gifford, who had some exciting news for her. Nearly 35 years after Kathie Lee was named godmother to Carnival Celebration’s namesake ship – the M/S Celebration – Cassidy will now serve as godmother to their newest ship. 

“Carnival Cruise Line has been a huge part of our family with my earliest memories taking family trips on Carnival ships,” said Cassidy Gifford. “And now to be asked to be godmother of the namesake ship to the one my mom christened is truly an honor and a blessing,” said Cassidy, accepting it without hesitation. 

Kathie Lee Gifford served as the face of Carnival Celebrations throughout the 1980s and 1990s, so this is something that means a lot to her and her family. “To be able to pass the torch to my daughter Cassidy as she is named godmother of the new Carnival Celebration makes me so happy, I almost cried!” she said.

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To make things that much sweeter, Cassidy will finally become a parent of her own when she welcomes her first child with her husband Ben Wierda in June 2023. It’s only six months away, which will go by fast once the new year arrives. We’re excited to see the baby bump grow as we await the baby’s arrival!