Veteran broadcaster Kathie Lee Gifford, 71, delivered an emotional and deeply personal speech on Tuesday at the City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Luncheon, where she honored her longtime friend and former Today show colleague, Jill Martin, 49.
As she stood at the podium, assisted by Martin due to ongoing mobility issues following recent surgeries, Gifford addressed not only her admiration for Martin but also her own mortality, leaving the audience visibly moved.
Gifford, who relocated from New York to Tennessee in recent years, made a rare return to the city to present the award to Martin at the Plaza Hotel.
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She candidly explained that it was “at the behest of her personal therapist’s orders” that she allowed herself to be helped onstage—a reflection of her vulnerability and recent health challenges.
Despite her physical pain, Gifford’s heart was full of love and gratitude for Martin, calling her “one of my favorite people on the entire planet.”
So many of you asked about these great #GILI dresses. Well the wait is over! Starting at midnight tonight you can order on QVC. JILL MARTIN will be featuring all colors for a great price. Do not miss this! pic.twitter.com/wBPegGC7cs
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) April 5, 2018
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She emphasized how meaningful their friendship has become over time, especially as Martin battled and overcame breast cancer.
“Over the years, our friendship has deepened us,” Gifford said warmly.
“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. We would get on the phone together and we pray and we’d laugh. I thank her for what she was doing for others.”
She then urged attendees to remain present and supportive for those they care about, no matter the circumstances. “Be there for people,” she implored.
“Whatever their journey is because it might change the next day.”
As Gifford transitioned to speak about her own life, her voice quivered and she was visibly overcome with emotion. Reflecting on her bond with Martin, she stated,
“So when I say that Jill will be my friend for life, I mean it. She will be there for me and I will be there for her.”
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KATHIE LEE GIFFORD WILL PRESENT NBC’s TODAY SHOW JILL MARTINCITY OF HOPE “SPIRIT OF LIFE®” AWARD
AT THE PLAZA HOTEL JUNE 3Pls click on the link to view the entire page…Thank you! pic.twitter.com/DK90kqPXmq
— Black Tie Magazine (@Blacktiemag) May 19, 2025
Then, in a moment that revealed both acceptance and humor, she added, “I’ll probably go a lot sooner. In fact, tick-tock, I better get off the stage,” eliciting laughter despite the heavy subject.
Gifford’s powerful words come in the wake of a difficult year marked by significant health issues. In June 2024, she underwent a total hip replacement that left her in “agonizing pain.”
Shortly afterward, she suffered a fall that fractured her pelvis in two places, requiring over a week of hospitalization.
“I’ve had a really, really tough last three years with parts of my body that have just worn out because I did so much in my life,” Gifford shared with OK! Magazine last week.
“I had my hip replaced, I had my shoulder done – that was from an old injury that finally got so bad, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. Yet my health is perfect! I am crumbling!”
While Gifford copes with her own physical ailments, Martin’s journey has taken a more hopeful turn. After being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer two years ago, Martin recently celebrated being cancer-free.
“Kathie is one of the people who taught me about being able to hold opposing things at the same time and so you can be super happy and super sad, and so that’s how I feel today,” Martin said during her speech, encapsulating the bittersweet emotion that filled the room.
Kathie Lee Gifford joins TODAY to talk about her recent health challenges, gives an update on her pelvis fracture after a fall and talks about her book, Herod & Mary.
“I fell off the best seller list when I fell down the stairs,” @KathieLGifford joked. pic.twitter.com/PWaJwdfmER
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 13, 2024
Gifford echoed those sentiments with wisdom drawn from her own life.
“You can mourn and rejoice at the same time,” she said. “That’s what happened when I found my husband after his massive heart attack. I knew he saw Jesus and Jesus took his breath away so I knew exactly where he was.”
Kathie Lee’s beloved husband, NFL legend Frank Gifford, passed away in August 2015 at the age of 84.
The couple had been married nearly 30 years. His death was a turning point in Gifford’s spiritual and emotional journey, deepening her faith and perspective on loss and life.
This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Frank Gifford’s death….a day that his widow @KathieLGifford describes here in detail. 💔
Sadly, the legendary sports broadcaster, actor & 🏈 HOF’er died of CTE… but his faith left a legacy that brings a smile to Kathie Lee’s face… pic.twitter.com/4OF6OJZLln— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) February 26, 2025
“People can say, you know, you can look at something as a loss or you can look at what you still have and rejoice,” Gifford concluded. “It’s the glimmers [in life].”
Throughout her career, Gifford has remained one of the most prominent Christian voices in entertainment. Her faith, paired with her resilience, continues to inspire.
Though she joked about her time being short, Gifford’s unwavering spirit and enduring friendships suggest she still has much to give.
She may see her clock ticking, but for those who know her, Kathie Lee Gifford is far from done.
With humor, grace, and a powerful sense of purpose, she reminds us that even in the face of pain and loss, there is always something—and someone—to live for.
I will always remember Frank Gifford’s grace, self-deprecating wit and love of his family. So much to so many. pic.twitter.com/81ePwZ2Kbl
— Al Roker (@alroker) August 9, 2015
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