(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Giuliana Rancic is "such a strong woman", according to friend Kelly Bensimon.

The E! News anchor announced that she had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer last Monday, and underwent a double lumpectomy surgery to combat the disease on Wednesday.

Giuliana is currently recovering, and friend and fellow star Kelly has revealed how proud she is of her.

"I have spoken to her and I love her so much and we are really good friends," she explained in an interview with E! Online.

"I'm just so happy that she was able to be a voice like that. And that's so Giuliana...she's such a strong woman and she wants to be there for other people."

Kelly admires how Giuliana remains defiant in the face of adversity. The 43-year-old Real Housewives of New York star says the television host is an inspiration to all.

"That's my kind of girl," she said. "Adversity happens and she's just like, 'Here I am. Let's help each other.' She's just a rock-solid girl."

Giuliana will return to E! News tonight, just days after her surgery.

She was found in the early stages thanks to a mammogram she was ordered to take by her fertility doctor before she embarked on her third round of fertility treatment. (C) Cover Media