A big reason why Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford are so loved and so watched by millions of morning fans is that the two AM sidekicks are so much like everyone else having their morning coffee, smoothie, or beverage of choice. Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford spent time with the artist through the years. As Kotb spoke on July 25 in the pair's fourth hour on “Today,” it is Demi Lovato's courage to share “her pain” that was so powerful for many struggling with mental health and addiction issues.

Entertainment media experienced a jolting reversal this week, with many of Monday’s headlines focused on a new blonde hairstyle for Lovato, and then, on Tuesday, bringing the shocking news that she was found unconscious in her Los Angeles home.

A CBS news story from July 26 described that close family and friends were deeply concerned about Demi taking a dramatic turn for the worse, and preparing for what they most dreaded likely saved Demi Lovato's life.

Even the strongest can slide

Longtime fans of Demi Lovato probably had no trouble spotting that something big was wrong when their favorite singer couldn’t remember the lyrics to her song, “Sober,” which opens with “I got no excuses,” and later a cry that “I'm dying inside.” Few artists have the ability to see themselves in the throes of addiction and disease, much less to describe the “cold sweats” and the sense of desperate isolation to the world.

For many years now Demi Lovato has been an ambassador for those with bipolar disorder, and never once portrayed herself as anyone other than a flawed and frail human being who is committed to doing the work to manage her condition and continue to lead a healthy life.

Hoda Kotb recalled Lavato, saying, “She’s so strong,” remembering an interview from two years ago. During their conversation, Lovato said that she had come to the point where “not every minute” was consumed by her struggles because “I do so much work on myself.” That work needs to begin anew now, with her close circle of support asking for privacy as they seek the best possible options and places for treatment.

It was the forethought by those same supportive people that saved Demi Lavato.

The drug Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, is used to counteract the effects of opioid overdose, and Demi Lovato's closest friends and family determined that the drug should be available and on-hand in light of her choices to associate with a new boyfriend and others who were not involved in the “clean” lifestyle.

Reportedly, hours before Demi was found, she was not alone.

"I think it was very wise for her friends, or family, or whoever it was to have Narcan on hand. They probably saved her life," addiction psychiatrist Dr. Laurence Westreich told CBS News.

Keeping hope alive

The road to recovery is never a straight path, and Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford both reiterated their unyielding support of Demi Lovato through this setback, relating that only a strong fighter keeps fighting without giving up. A fall itself cannot take someone still living, but to stay down can. “The important thing is to keep hope alive,” stresses Dr. Westrich. He suggests trying “another modality” in treatment, other medications, and psychotherapy, all with the plan of never giving up, and always with the determination “to try to get better.”

“I know she can do it,” Kathie Lee Gifford praised, adding in the power of prayer.

Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor with Hoda Kotb, chimed in with Megyn Kelly, sharing “I hope she feels all the love,” in another show of solidarity on July 25. The support that means the most to Demi Lovato probably comes from those who love her and her music, inspired by her strength. They started a hashtag to tell their stories, #HowDemihashelpedme, with the hope that she can draw strength from hearts and lives lifted by her example.

Demi spoke in a 2016 CBS profile of how “I look up to the sky and I just go okay, I don't know why you're putting me through this, but there's a reason. Help me figure it out.” The same power and presence is still there for Demi Lovato and countless others facing similar circumstances.
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