"I'd Been in Such Agonizing Pain": Kathy Lee Gifford Opens up about Her Hip Replacement Surgery

Kathie Lee Gifford is proving once again to be a beacon of resilience. The beloved TV host is bravely recovering from hip replacement surgery while maintaining her signature optimism. She has shared her journey and continues to spread love through her writing.

TV host Kathie Lee Gifford is in the process of recovering after her recent hip replacement surgery. At 70, she shared her journey with Hoda Kotb on "TODAY," opening up about the challenges she faced before the operation.

Gifford revealed that before the surgery, she endured excruciating pain as her doctors struggled to pinpoint the problem. Initially, they focused on her spine but were unable to find the source. "They finally found out what it was," she said, "and by that time, I'd been in such agonizing pain."

After the surgery, Gifford's doctor informed her that the procedure had gone "beautifully." She added that her doctor was astonished at how she had been managing her condition. Speaking to Kotb, she noted, "My doctor said, 'How have you been existing all this time? You had some of the worst hips I've ever seen.'"

The beloved television personality explained in a separate interview with People that her hips were "down to the nubs," making the surgery a necessity. Her doctors attributed the need for replacement to her active lifestyle of exercise and traveling.

Despite the pain, Gifford said she wouldn't change a thing. "Would I change that?" she mused about her lifestyle. "No, I was doing what God put me on this earth to do. Every year of it, I was doing what he called me to do."

In the candid interview, Kathie Lee Gifford reflected on her post-surgery journey, admitting she had to slow down after overworking herself too soon. Describing the recovery as "one of the most painful situations of my entire life," she confessed, "It's been really hard."

Gifford's hip replacement surgery sparked a range of reactions online. One social media user criticized her for not following her doctor's advice, calling it a "huge mistake."

The person shared their own experience, saying they had friends who found hip replacements much easier to recover from compared to knee replacements. This user added, "I had a knee replacement and the swelling was so bad."

Another commenter urged Gifford to "Try the knees!!" emphasizing the surgery's "terrible pain! 😢." Someone else remarked, "This is why you listen to your doctor and PT and not try to be a superstar. Love you Kathie Lee but always better to listen to the medical advice."

Gifford also shared a moment when her doctor emphasized the gravity of her condition, underscoring the importance of taking her recovery seriously. Despite these health challenges, Gifford remained actively engaged in her professional life, dedicating herself to signing books and preparing for the release of her latest work.

Her new religious book, "Herod and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior," was set to debut on the shelves on July 16.

This historical nonfiction offers a profound exploration of biblical history. According to the official description, the book provides deep insight into how Herod came to power, and how corruption and an ancient evil posed significant threats to his nation.

During this period, the TV host also found joy in spending time with her grandchildren. She even shared a heartwarming photo of herself enjoying quality time with one of her grandchildren, capturing the precious moments of their bond. However, she soon realized that she was pushing herself too hard during her recovery.

While Gifford's hip replacement surgery came as a surprise to many, it's actually a common procedure. According to the American College of Rheumatology, approximately 544,000 hip replacements are performed each year. In fact, "TODAY" weatherman Al Roker underwent a hip replacement in 2019 and impressively returned to work just 12 days later.

As Gifford continues her recovery and promotes her new book, she remains optimistic. In her interview with People, she expressed her desire to make the most of whatever time she has left, praying to be useful, kind, and loving to others.

Reflecting on her life's journey, Gifford emphasized her long-standing commitment to her faith. She noted that for 60 years, she has strived to do godly work, uphold righteousness, love people, and represent the kingdom of God. These qualities underscore the guiding principles that have shaped her actions and beliefs.