Kathie Lee Gifford, the beloved former co-host of the Today show, has faced a challenging period in her life after suffering a fall while recovering from recent hip replacement surgery. The 70-year-old television personality was hospitalized due to a fractured pelvis in two places, requiring over a week of intensive physical therapy.
Gifford explained that the injury occurred after she had exerted herself during a series of book signings in Nashville, where she moved 300 books by herself. “I weakened my body,” she admitted, acknowledging that the strain contributed to her subsequent fall. In a rush to answer the door for a friend, she tripped, leading to her hospitalization.
The experience has been a humbling one for Gifford. “You think you know your body, and the next thing you know, your body changes when you get older,” she reflected. Despite the pain and the setback, Gifford remains positive and determined. “It’s summer for everybody but me,” she remarked. “But it’s OK. I’m going to get out to my little farm one of these days and stick my feet in my salt pool.”
Earlier this month, Gifford described her hip replacement surgery and recovery as “one of the most painful situations of my entire life.” Despite the pain, she has no regrets about her active lifestyle. “Would I change that? No, I was doing what God put me on this earth to do,” she said. Her surgeon had told her that her active lifestyle, which included climbing mountains, making movies, and performing on stages, contributed to her need for surgery.
Gifford’s resilience and faith have been her guiding lights through this tough time. Despite her hospitalization, she has continued to celebrate the release of her new book, Herod and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior. The book offers deep insights into the historical figures of Herod and Mary and aims to provide hope to readers.
Reflecting on her life and work, Gifford expressed a deep sense of purpose. “I don’t know how much time the Lord has me still on this earth, but for whatever time it is I pray that I would be useful… that I would be kind and helpful, and loving to people,” she said. Gifford’s journey is a testament to her strength and unwavering commitment to living a life of purpose and faith.
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