Fans ‘Didn’t Recognize’ Former ‘Today’ Host Kathie Lee Gifford, 71, in New Picture Promoting Her Book

The New York bestselling author was promoting her new book “Herod and Mary,” which is a nonfiction work about these biblical figures.

Fans alleged that Kathie Lee Gifford may have undergone cosmetic procedures after noticing changes in her facial appearance in her latest Instagram picture.

In her post, she posed in a casual outfit, wearing an army jacket with a blouse underneath. Her blonde hair was styled in a side part. Gifford held her book with both hands, proudly showing off the cover, and flashed a wide smile.

Her caption read, “I’m so excited to be signing books at The Rutledge in Franklin, TN on December 10th from 4-6 PM! Bring your friends, grab a bite, and let’s chat Herod and Mary. I can’t wait to meet you all!”

Fans had strong reactions after seeing Gifford’s new picture, with some expressing surprise over her appearance, “😮 Almost didn’t recognize ya.[sic]” One fan thought her transformation was a bit excessive, noting, “WAY TOO MUCH FILLER!!! Thought THIS WAS MARLO THOMAS …. 🛑.[sic]”

One fan admitted, “You look totally different from when on your show with @Hodakotb.[sic]” Another user shared their opinion about her alleged use of cosmetic surgery, “Uhhhgh, no work was necessary 😢.[sic]” A fan with similar sentiments said, “You are pretty don’t need fillers.[sic]”

However, others were quick to compliment Gifford. One fan gushed, “You look very pretty😍,” while another admirer assured the author, “You still look beautiful. ❤️🔥You’re like a princess.❤️.”

Many wished her well, with one saying, “Kathie Lee you are looking beautiful 🤩 & look like you’re feeling good, also 👏 Thank you for sharing 🥰🤗.[sic]”

A heartfelt message came through from another fan who wrote, “Wishing you a successful turnout. You look absolutely beautiful. Wishing you God’s abundant blessings always.” A few also emphasized the authenticity of her natural beauty, “No fake KLG’S!![sic]”

Kathie Lee Gifford’s new book delves into the intertwined lives of King Herod and Mary, the mother of Jesus, offering a fresh perspective on these historical figures. She explores Herod’s struggles and failures to gain the love of his people, alongside Mary’s journey as she faces the devastating consequences of Herod’s dangerous obsession.

Gifford shared that in her book, she contrasts Herod, who was known as the king of the Jews, with Mary, the mother of the King of Kings. She describes Herod as an arrogant ruler, while Mary, a young woman, embodies humility.

Gifford emphasized that she didn’t invent any part of the story, but instead drew from the Bible and other religious historical texts she believed to be accurate for her research.

Gifford has also opened up about battling health issues for years. She explained that after suffering from agonizing pain for over two years a doctor gave her a new hip in 2024. Her doctor told her, “Kathie, that’s one of the worst hips I have ever seen in my life. There was no hips there.”

All Gifford had was bone spurs and arthritis at the bottom. So, before she was diagnosed with a hip issue, her doctors had been looking for a problem in her spine.

Her issues originated from working with her dad in her younger years delivering newspapers from around 4:00 a.m. for the Washington Post in Maryland. Her busy career as a singer from a tender age also worsened the issue as she constantly wore heels and moved from place to place.

With her hip replacement and adopting a healthier lifestyle, Gifford’s bone and body density have improved by 10 percent in the last five years. Unfortunately, she fell down on her steps at home and fractured her pelvis in the front and back.

Gifford narrated that the fall occurred after she overexerted herself during a book signing in Nashville, where she moved a large number of books. When a friend came to pick her up, the author rushed to answer the door, tripped, and fell.

After the fall, Gifford stayed in the hospital for eight days before heading to her farm outside Nashville with a walker and a private nurse. The nurse advised her to refrain from walking or putting weight on her leg, concerned about the healing process.

However, the two were surprised when she didn’t experience significant pain, so the nurse contacted Gifford’s doctor. They went to the hospital and after an X-ray, the doctor confirmed that Gifford’s leg and pelvis had healed. The author and the doctor attributed the miraculous recovery to faith and divine healing power.

Gifford, who couldn’t even walk and had to crawl to the bathroom pre-surgery, was delighted to be healed and thankful for God’s healing power.

She remains optimistic as she continues her recovery and promotes her new book. Despite the challenges, she is focused on making the most of her time, hoping to be a positive, kind, and loving presence for those around her. Gifford has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be of service to others.