Kathie Lee Gifford, the beloved host of “Today,” has left fans stunned with her new appearance. After releasing a video about her latest project, many fans took to social media to express their shock and concern over her changed looks, urging her to stop using fillers. This comes years after she spoke about aging gracefully.
On July 2, Kathie Lee, now 70, shared an enthusiastic video on Instagram, giving fans a sneak peek of a special project she’s been working on. However, instead of focusing on her announcement, many were more interested in her appearance.
In the video, Gifford looked joyful as she talked about her new book, “Herod and Mary,” and an upcoming event related to it. She wore a white shirt and a cream-colored fedora. She started by warmly greeting her audience and wishing them a wonderful summer with their families.
“I’m thrilled to share a new project that’s finally coming out,” Gifford said. “I haven’t said much because it’s taken so long, but it’s a new book called ‘Herod and Mary.’ It’s being released on July 16th.”
She went on to describe the book as a thrilling story about the intersection of the lives of Jesus’ mother, Mary, and Herod the Great. Gifford expressed how fascinating it was to write this religious-themed book.
Before signing off, she urged her fans to buy the book and revealed, “On July 19, I’m hosting a digital book signing that I don’t want you to miss. I hope you’ll join us! It will be with ViciNFT and another company I work with to make it a great event for you.”
Along with the video, Gifford posted a detailed description, giving more information about her book and the digital signing event. “I’m SO excited to invite everyone to the official digital signing and book talk for ‘Herod and Mary,’” she wrote. “Here are tickets for the interactive signing room and personalized inscriptions. They’re limited to fifty, so act fast!”
She also mentioned some special extras for readers, like learning the story behind the book and getting signed collector’s editions.
Despite her exciting news, many fans were shocked by how different Gifford looked in the video. “I hope you’re not ill. What happened to your face?” one concerned Instagram user commented. Others urged her to stop using fillers, believing she had altered her appearance too much.
“You have my deepest respect, so I say this with love: Stop using fillers, you look swollen,” one person posted. Another echoed, “Too much filler.” However, some fans defended her, with one commenting, “You are beautiful! Enjoying life and aging gracefully!”
Gifford has always been open about her personal life. In a 2017 interview, she said, “I told the truth long before Google.” She’s given more thought to aging as she’s grown older, not because of how it affects her looks, but because she’s aware that time is precious.
“It matters to me now because I’m aware that time is finite and I’m running out of time for some of the big things I want to do,” she once said.
Gifford has never shied away from aging and the changes it brings. After participating in Prevention’s “Love Your Age Week” with Hoda Kotb in 2017, she shared her thoughts on aging.
When asked if society’s view of older women needed to change, Gifford responded, “A lot of young people don’t respect the past and think you only have something to say if you’re under 30. Your brain doesn’t even fully develop until you’re 25.”
She also offered a positive take on aging, emphasizing the benefits of having a good attitude. “Life is about choices. Am I going to complain about being 64 or say, ‘Thank you, Lord, I made it to 64’?”
“My kids are wonderful, I have a job, I’m healthy, and life is good. Gratitude is the key to loving your age. If you spend more time lamenting what you can’t have than being thankful for what you do have, you might as well take a dirt nap.”
Gifford has found that aging has fueled her passion and ambition. Despite the double standards society has about men and women aging, she’s proud to be a woman in today’s world.
At 70, Gifford remains unfazed by criticism. “I don’t have time for others’ opinions. One of the joys of getting older is that there are only about ten people whose opinions really matter to me now.”
She also stressed the importance of lifelong learning as one ages.
