Kathie Lee Gifford shares emotional health update as she confesses ‘I’ll probably go sooner’
KATHIE Lee Gifford has shared a rather emotional health update at an event.
The 71-year-old former Today co-host has confessed “I’ll probably go sooner” after opening up about her health.
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Kathie Lee Gifford spoke on stage at the City of Hope’s Spirit of Life LuncheonCredit: Getty
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She presented Jill Martin with the Spirit of Life Award on stageCredit: Getty
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The two women were seen beaming at the eventCredit: Getty
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The ladies wore light colors for the occasionCredit: Getty
This week, Kathie Lee attended the City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Luncheon.
At the event, she presented an award to her former Today show co-star Jill Martin.
When presenting Jill with the award, Kathie Lee was overcome with emotion as she discussed her own mortality.
Honoring her close friend, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, Kathie Lee described their deep bond.
“Over the years, our friendship has deepened us,” she said.
“Many do, if you are blessed.
“And honestly, I think about Jill and I smile even when she was going through her journey and she still is. W
“e would get on the phone together and we pray and we’d laugh. I thank her for what she was doing for others,” she said.
Kathie Lee then urged those in attendance at the event to “be there” for others regardless of their journey “because it might change the next day”.
The former Today host then became emotional as she choked back tears.
Kathie Lee Gifford ‘went tumbling down stairs’ after hip surgery as she resurfaces for first time since pelvis fracture
“So, when I say that Jill will be my friend for life, I mean it,” she said touchingly.
“She will be there for me and I will be there for her,” Kathie Lee added before dropping a bombshell.
“I’ll probably go a lot sooner,” Kathie Lee said, seemingly giving an update on her health.
“In fact, tick-tock, I better get off the stage,” she said in a candid way, leaving her fans stunned.
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Kathie Lee endured hip surgery last yearCredit: Getty
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She spoke out about her injury and surgery last summerCredit: Getty
Last summer, Kathie Lee was hospitalized due to a fall that she endured while she was recovering from hip replacement surgery.
She fractured her pelvis in two places last year, and was hospitalized for over a week and in need of physical therapy.
The injury came after she “moved 300 books” on her own while doing signings in Nashville, with her blaming herself for weakening her body.
Then, the next day her friend arrived at her home to pick her up, so she rushed to the door and tripped.
“It didn’t take much, because I was weak in that spot,” Kathie Lee told People at the time.
“And the next thing you know, I am back in the hospital with a fractured pelvis, the front and the back.
“That’s more painful than anything I went through with the hip. The pelvis is unbelievably painful. But anyway, here I am.”
Kathie Lee is an esteemed television host.
She is best known for co-hosting Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee from 1985 to 2000.
She then went on to co-host the fourth hour of NBC’s Today show with Hoda Kotb from 2008 to 2019.
Kathie was married to Frank Gifford, a former professional football player and sports commentator.
They were married from 1986 until his death in 2015.
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Kathie was a host on TodayCredit: Getty
