Kathie Lee Gifford’s announces mother’s death on social media

Kathie Lee Gifford’s mother, Joan Epstein, has died aged 87, the Today host announced on Twitter on Tuesday.

Gifford shared the sad news with her 1.3 million followers, saying Epstein had gone home to “Jesus and my daddy”.

“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,” she wrote.

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

Her mother’s passing comes just two years after her beloved husband Frank Gifford died suddenly of natural causes.

People reports that Gifford’s father passed away in 2002.

Gifford was quickly inundated with messages of support, with her co-host Hoda Kotb and hundreds of fans sharing their condolences.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BY9erqegkyb/?taken-by=hodakotb

It’s a situation many Baby Boomers can sadly relate to as they get older.

Many Boomers have dealt with the loss of a parent and as we get older we’re faced with the reality of losing friends, too.

Epstein appeared on television with Gifford numerous times throughout her career and became a favourite guest during Gifford’s 15-year run from 1985–2000 on Live with Regis & Kathie Lee.

In a 2016 interview with Today, Gifford said her mother was “the sunniest person I know”.

She also spoke about how both her parents supported her career from a young age.

“I left home when I was 17 years old to pursue my career, and [my mom and dad] were all for it,” Gifford said. “They figured that they had raised me, and they wanted me to follow my passion. I’ve tried to do that with my own children. She gave me wings.”

Are you still lucky enough to have your parents with you? Can you relate to what Gifford’s going through?