Kathie Lee Gifford is on the road to recovery after a severe fall that landed her back in the hospital, just as she was recuperating from her latest hip replacement surgery. The 70-year-old former Today co-host exclusively shared with PEOPLE that she suffered a double pelvic fracture, which required an extended hospital stay and intensive physical therapy.

A Fall That Changed Everything

Gifford revealed that the accident happened in Nashville after she had moved 300 books by herself during a signing event. Looking back, she believes that the physical strain weakened her body, making her more vulnerable to injury. “I made my body weaker,” she admitted. “I’m to blame for it.”

The next day, a friend arrived to pick her up, but in a moment of hurry, Gifford lost her balance and fell. “I just tripped,” she explained. “I was already weak in that area, so it didn’t take much.”

The fall resulted in both front and back pelvic fractures, which she described as being far more excruciating than any pain she had experienced from her hip replacement. “The agony in my pelvis is unbelievable,” she shared. “But here I am.”

A Humbling Recovery Process

Being hospitalized for over a week was a difficult but necessary decision for Gifford. She chose to stay longer because she didn’t trust herself to be fully independent yet. “It’s a humbling experience,” she admitted.

Reflecting on her body’s changes as she ages, Gifford noted how important it is to acknowledge those shifts and adjust accordingly. “You think you understand your body, and then you realize that as you age, your body changes,” she said. “Even though I’d rather not think about it, I have to.”

While many people enjoyed their summer vacations, Gifford found herself confined to a hospital bed. “Everyone else is out there having fun, and here I am,” she said. “But it’s okay. One day, I’ll be back at my little farm, dipping my feet in my saltwater pool.” She also shared how she believes this moment of forced rest is a message from God. “The Lord is telling me to slow down. I’ve spent my entire life running. He’s saying, ‘You’ve planted a billion roses—now take a moment to smell them.’”

The Challenges of Hip Surgery Recovery

This incident came on the heels of Gifford’s difficult rehabilitation from her hip replacement surgery, which she previously described as one of the most painful experiences of her life. “It’s been incredibly hard,” she admitted.

Gifford needed the surgery due to years of an active and demanding lifestyle. Her surgeon pointed out that her years of performing, climbing stages, filming movies, and even wearing high heels had taken a toll on her body. “You never took off your stilettos,” she recalled the doctor saying. “That’s why you’re feeling this now.”

Despite the hardships, she has no regrets. “Would I change anything?” she asked herself. “No. I was doing what I was called to do. Every single year, I followed my divine purpose.”

A Passion for Storytelling Even Through Pain

Even during her hospitalization, Gifford has continued celebrating the release of her latest book, Helen and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior. This historical nonfiction work delves into the rise of King Herod, the deep corruption of his reign, and how a young Mary navigated these challenges to bring Jesus into the world.

Gifford shared that the idea for the book came to her during a rabbinical trip to Israel a few years ago. Her son Cody, now 34, encouraged her to pursue the project, telling her, “These are stories that need to be told because people need hope.”

Faith and Strength Through Adversity

As she continues her recovery journey, Gifford remains grounded in her faith and purpose. She told PEOPLE that she hopes to make a positive impact for as long as she is alive. “I don’t know how long I have left on this earth, but I pray that I will be of use,” she said. “I want to treat people with kindness, generosity, and love.”

Despite the challenges, Gifford remains resilient. “I’m a strong woman,” she affirmed. “But more than anything, I’m a woman who has spent the last 60 years trying to serve God’s kingdom, do the right thing, and show love to others.”

While her recovery may take time, Gifford’s spirit remains unshaken. Her determination, faith, and gratitude continue to guide her through life’s obstacles, proving that even in pain, she can find purpose and inspiration.