Martin Short understands the situation.

“I think that it’s live television and people make mistakes and there’s no ill will intended,” he told E! News about Kathie Lee Gifford’s mistake: She thought his late wife was still alive.

“And I think it’s nice to aspire to be that way.”

Gifford had obviously failed to do her research before interviewing him.

The veteran comic and Madagascar 3 star was on Today Wednesday when Gifford asked the secret of his success with wife Nancy Dolman, who died two years ago of ovarian cancer. “You and Nancy have one of the greatest marriages of anybody in show business. How many years now for you guys?” Short, ever diplomatically, replied: “We ...married ....36 years.’’

“But you’re still like in love! Why?’’ she continued. “Because I’m cute,’’ he replied calmly.

“And you make each other laugh,’’ she said mercilessly. Why didn’t someone yell “Cut!’’?

The TV personality later apologized and took to Twitter to send her regrets. One slight problem, she posted @MartinShort and the actor, who showed a lot of “grace,’’ she said, doesn’t have a Twitter account.

Kathie Lee, we’re sorry that you’re having a mini-sweatshop moment again. Hope Frank makes you a nice dinner and rubs your feet. At least the last time we checked, he was still alive.