Let’s give it up for Kathie Lee Gifford, folks! This incredible woman has made an inspiring recovery from a debilitating pelvis injury, and she’s not stopping there. If you’ve seen her recent red carpet appearance, you know she’s looking as radiant as ever. But here’s the kicker—she’s also diving back into the dating scene with both feet, according to an exclusive source close to Closer.
Back on Her Feet, Literally and Figuratively
“Kathie Lee still has a lot of physical therapy ahead of her, but her determination is nothing short of remarkable,” the source shares. “She’s regained her ability to walk without assistance, and that’s been a game-changer for her. It’s like a switch flipped—she’s ready to live life to the fullest again.”
The Road to Recovery
For those who may not know, Kathie Lee, 70, faced a major setback this past July when she suffered a fall during her recovery from hip replacement surgery. It was a brutal tumble down the stairs of her four-story home, and unfortunately, it resulted in a fractured pelvis. Not only did this require a week-long hospital stay, but it also demanded extensive bed rest and physical therapy afterward.
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As she recounted the incident, Kathie Lee admitted, “I was in a vulnerable state, and I made a rookie mistake. I rushed down the stairs too quickly, wearing the wrong shoes, and before I knew it, I was tumbling. It was a scary moment, to say the least.”
Though hip replacement surgery is considered major, Kathie Lee revealed to People that the fall itself was even more painful than the entire hip surgery process. “It was just excruciating,” she said.
Not One to Stay Still
Being the social butterfly that she is, Kathie Lee wasn’t one to sit around and feel sorry for herself. “She absolutely despises being cooped up in bed,” the source explains. “While some people might take it easy in her situation, Kathie Lee just isn’t built that way. She’s all about snapping out of her rut and getting back to what makes her happy.”
And let’s be honest, staying cooped up was especially tough for Kathie Lee, given the emotional heartache she’s been dealing with after her breakup earlier this year. “Being stuck at home was a double whammy for her,” the source adds. “Not only was she physically recovering, but she was also processing the end of a significant relationship.”
Healing from Heartbreak
Back in April, Kathie Lee opened up to People about her breakup with Richard Spitz, a man she had been with for several years. “It was a tough pill to swallow,” she admitted. “When you love someone deeply, it’s always hard when things don’t last. It’s something you miss when the relationship ends.”
Kathie Lee’s history of love and loss is well-documented. She was previously married to composer Paul Johnson from 1976 to 1983. Later, she found love with NFL legend Frank Gifford, with whom she shared two children, Cody, 34, and Cassidy, 31. Their marriage lasted from 1986 until Frank’s passing in 2015.
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“Richard’s decision to end things really hit her hard,” the source reveals. “She was envisioning a future with him, even thinking about marriage. But instead of wallowing, she’s choosing to move forward with grace and strength.”
Ready to Date Again
“Kathie Lee has decided she’s ready to dive back into the dating pool,” the source confirms. “She’s even considering teaming up with her dear friend Hoda Kotb for some fun adventures. Hoda has been a rock for her, calling her every day and planning a visit to Nashville soon.”
“Kathie Lee is leaning into her new mantra: ‘My joy is non-negotiable,’” she says. “She’s ready to negotiate time and money, but her happiness? That’s off the table. She’s determined to live life on her own terms and enjoy every moment.”
