Television personality Kathie Lee Gifford has spoken candidly about the serious health challenges she faced over the past year. The TV host, singer, and actress revealed that constant physical pain became so overwhelming that she “wanted to die a few times,” while making it clear she never considered taking her own life.
The 72-year-old said a series of injuries and medical procedures kept her away from public life and made even simple daily activities extremely difficult.
Multiple Health Problems Changed Her Life
Gifford explained that her health struggles began after she accidentally broke her arm while sleeping.
According to the television personality, an awkward movement during the night caused the injury. Later, she suffered another fracture after a fall. Around the same time, she also underwent cataract surgery after noticing problems with her eyesight.
As a result, she spent much of the past year recovering from one health issue after another.
Kathie Lee Gifford Reflects on Living With Constant Pain
Speaking to People, Gifford admitted that the physical pain also took an emotional toll.
She said:
“I feel like Mr. Potato Head. One thing falls off and then another. But you have to have a sense of humour about everything. Thank God I’ve never lost that, even in my bleakest moments. I’m a tough broad. I want to be remembered as somebody that if they only met me one time, they think, ‘She was kind. She made me laugh.'”
Despite the challenges, she said her sense of humour helped her cope during the darkest moments.
She Clarified Her Comments About Wanting to Die
Gifford revealed that there were moments when the pain became almost unbearable.
She recalled praying:
“Lord, if this is all you have left for me, I want to go home.”
She added:
“I wanted to die a few times. I wasn’t going to hurt myself. I wasn’t going to kill myself. I just didn’t want to be here, as blessed as I am.”
Gifford stressed that her words reflected the emotional impact of living with severe physical pain and not any intention of self-harm.
Frank Gifford’s Final Years Inspired Her Perspective
The television star said the difficult period reminded her of the final years of her late husband, Frank Gifford, who died in 2015 at the age of 84.
She recalled that before his death, Frank told her he hoped people would always remember him as the same person they had always known.
Gifford said she shares that wish. Whenever she meets people, she wants them to remember her as someone who is kind, genuine and full of warmth.
A Busy Career Took a Physical Toll
Looking back on her decades-long career, Gifford believes that constantly working placed significant strain on her body.
She noted that she has remained busy ever since landing her first television role on Name That Tune in 1977.
She also remembered performing as Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie at Madison Square Garden in 2006. Gifford said she made the performance especially energetic because she wanted children in the audience to enjoy every moment.
Kathie Lee Gifford Continues to Stay Creative
Despite her recent health setbacks, Gifford continues to work on new creative projects.
She recently completed a documentary about her life, produced by her longtime friend Kris Jenner.
In addition, she remains a successful author and has written more than a dozen books. Her latest title, Nero and Paul, is part of the Ancient Evil, Living Hope series.