Kathie Lee Gifford mourns mom Joan Epstein’s death

Sept. 13 (UPI) — Television personality Kathie Lee Gifford is mourning the death of her mom, Joan Epstein.

The 64-year-old Today anchor paid tribute to her “precious mother” in a tweet Tuesday after Epstein died that morning at age 87.

“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.

Gifford’s close friend and Today co-anchor Hoda Kotb offered her condolences, writing, “Holding your hand xoxox.” The Kathie Lee and Hoda official Instagram account also expressed sympathy for Gifford.

“Kathie Lee’s beloved mom, Joan, has died at the age of 87. Our thoughts and prayers go out to KLG and her entire family,” the post reads.

Gifford appeared alongside Kotb as usual Tuesday on Today, and honored her mom in the episode. Her dad, Aaron Epstein, and husband, Frank Gifford, previously died in November 2002 and August 2015, respectively.

“She passed away in her sleep in her beautiful bed yesterday morning,” the star said of her mom. “Just like Frank, I believe she saw Jesus and Jesus took her breath away. It gives me great comfort.”

“Your mom was one of the bright[est] lights I think I’ve ever met,” Kotb added. I remember when you first introduced her to me and to all of us at the Today show, we all fell madly in love because when she came in, humor followed.”