Overview
- Gifford told People on Tuesday that a string of major procedures and fractures over the past two years produced chronic, severe pain that at times made her say she 'wanted to die a few times.'
- Her health troubles began with a total hip replacement in July 2024 that led to follow-up surgery after a refracture and later included broken arms, other fractures and cataract surgery for depth-perception problems.
- She says doctors treated a spinal condition for about a year before the hip problem was correctly identified, a claim reported as her account and not independently verified in the coverage.
- After surgery she received stem-cell therapy and six-day-a-week physical therapy, and she now reports substantial improvement and the ability to be active with her five grandchildren again.
- Gifford, 72, said the ordeal prompted her to scale back public appearances, focus on legacy and authenticity, remain single for now, and work on new projects including a documentary and a recent book release.