It’s a moment of profound sadness for Kathie Lee Gifford and her family. On Tuesday, September 12, Kathie Lee took to Twitter to share the devastating news of her mother’s passing. Joan Epstein, Kathie Lee’s beloved mom, passed away peacefully at the age of 87. In a touching tribute, Kathie Lee wrote, “My precious mother, JOANNIE went home to JESUS & my DADDY this morning.” The Today show anchor, now 64, expressed her gratitude and faith, praising God for the promise of eternal life and thanking Him for her mother's influence in her life.
My precious mother, JOANNIE went home to JESUS & my DADDY this morning. We praise God for His promise of eternal life & we thank God for her
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) September 12, 2017
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Kathie Lee Opens Up About Her Mother's Passing on 'Today'
The following day, during a deeply emotional segment on the Wednesday, September 13, episode of the Today show, Kathie Lee opened up about her mother’s death. Her voice trembling with emotion, she said, “My mom, if you didn’t know — beautiful Joannie, there she is – she passed away in her sleep in her beautiful bed yesterday morning. And just like [my late husband] Frank, I believe she saw Jesus and Jesus took her breath away, and it gives me great comfort.”
Kathie Lee went on to acknowledge the pain and fear many people are experiencing in today’s world. But she offered a powerful message of hope: “I just suggest that you take hold of God’s hand because he’s real good at carrying things for you. And perfect love casts out all fear and he loves us perfectly. And nobody knew that more than my mom.”
WATCH: “She had the strongest faith of anybody I’ve ever known.” @KathieLGifford remembers her mom, Joan. https://t.co/rMboKY5kc7 pic.twitter.com/n4mpdOaXiM
— Kathie Lee and Hoda (@klgandhoda) September 13, 2017
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Hoda Kotb Pays Tribute to Joan Epstein
Kathie Lee’s dear friend and longtime co-host, Hoda Kotb, quickly showed her support. She retweeted Kathie Lee’s original message and wrote, “Holding your hand xoxox.” Later, Hoda, who is 53 years old, paid tribute to Joan’s memory with another heartfelt tweet. “Being both soft and strong is a combination very few have mastered. Happy wed. Love you Joannie,” Hoda wrote, celebrating Joan’s unique blend of strength and tenderness.
Jesus & Pop Pop are much cooler, anyhow and I know they're both smiling now that they have you back… so until we meet again, love you to heaven, Cuddles
Cassidy Gifford Honors Her Grandmother
Kathie Lee’s 24-year-old daughter, Cassidy Gifford, also honored her grandmother in a heartfelt Instagram post. Alongside a sweet throwback photo of herself and Joan, Cassidy wrote, “Jesus & Pop Pop are much cooler, anyhow and I know they're both smiling now that they have you back.” She concluded her message with a tender farewell: “So until we meet again, love you to heaven, Cuddles.”
Kathie Lee’s family and friends continue to rally around her during this difficult time, celebrating the life and legacy of the remarkable Joan Epstein.
