She returns to the set of the "Today" show to promote her new book on the day it hits store shelves.
Kathie Lee Gifford hosted the fourth hour of NBC's Today show for 11 years, so when she stopped by for a visit this morning, she said it felt "kind of surreal," like she never left. Of course, she did indeed leave back in April of 2019 and the Christian actress, filmmaker and singer/songwriter has been turning her hand to all sorts of other creative endeavors since, the latest of which is a new book.
It's entitled The Jesus I Know and consists of conversations about the Savior with 25 well-known friends and acquaintances of hers, including Hoda Kotb, who was her co-host at Today and interviewed her about the book on the program. Gifford says she "always shares (her) Faith," and in keeping with that approach to life, this literary endeavor has a very clear outreach goal.
"I want this book to be for people who just don't know yet that God loves them. They feel invisible. They don't believe that anyone loves them, or they feel like they've done so much so badly in life that, 'How could God ever love me?' So, it's just a message of hope."
Her interlocutors in the book come from a variety of faith backgrounds and include people like actress Kristin Chenowith, journalist Megyn Kelly, celebrity Kris Jenner and country music singer/songwriter Jimmy Wayne. While not everyone agrees on every issue - including Jesus' divinity - they do see eye-to-eye on the undeniable prominence He occupies in human history and, as they share their views on Him, that is the common tie that binds the book's narrative thread together.
Being a devout Christian herself, Gifford of course understands Christ's unique position as "the way, the truth and the life" who provides the only path to our Heavenly Father and salvation. She stands firmly on that reality, but does so with the same grace and kindness that characterized her many years on the Today show. Of the book, she says she thinks it "will bless people. That's the whole purpose."
The Jesus I Know is available from a host of booksellers and major retailers. You can find them all via this link to Gifford's website and then shop for the best deal, because the purchase prices vary widely.