'GMA' Co-Host Robin Roberts Reveals Longtime Relationship With Girlfriend
One year after receiving a crucial bone marrow transplant that saved her life, ABC's "Good Morning America" news anchor Robin Roberts wrote an end-of-year message on her Facebook wall Sunday in which she celebrated her blessings while subtly revealing that she is gay.
"At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude," wrote Roberts. "I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health. I am grateful for my sister, Sally-Ann, for being my donor and giving me the gift of life. I am grateful for my entire family, my longtime girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together. I am grateful for the many prayers and well wishes for my recovery. I return every one of them to you 100 fold. On this last Sunday of 2013 I encourage you to reflect on what you are grateful for too."
This is the first time that Roberts publicly acknowledged her homosexuality, although everyone in her personal and professional life has known, according to TMZ. Roberts reportedly met her partner of 10 years, Amber Laign, a licensed massage therapist who works with patients recovering from injuries, through mutual friends in San Francisco and they now live together in New York.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Roberts, who had been vocal about her Christian faith during her recovery, received support from ABC News through a statement soon after she revealed the news.
"We love Robin and Amber, and have known Amber for a long time. We were all touched by Robin's FB message today, so glad she has so much incredible support in her life," said ABC.
In 2012, Roberts survived a bone marrow transplant to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood disorder caused by her treatment for breast cancer. Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of her 100 days post-transplant, which at the time doctors said her immune system was strong enough to handle allowing her dog KJ to move back into her apartment, as shown in the photo she posted along with her message.
While she underwent treatment, Roberts clung to her faith and even found support in contemporary Christian singer Mandisa's inspiring music. Earlier this year, she was included in the singer's "Overcomer" music video that featured clips of Roberts' journey to recovery.
In the past, the GMA co-host has spoken about growing up and remaining Christian and about her relationship with God, which she said during a 2007 CBN interview is a private matter and one that she does not force on anyone.
"I love it when I'm in the studio and we have a studio audience and someone will tug on my shoulder when we have a commercial break and say, 'God bless you.' Almost like whispering, 'hey, God bless you I'm a believer, too, got it,'" said Roberts. "I love it when people say they see the light shining through me. I don't have to get on a soapbox. I'm not going to preach to people. I'm not going to force my beliefs on them. But if they do see something, great, so be it."
In May 2012, the White House chose Roberts for a notable sit down interview with President Obama in which he acknowledged his support for same-sex marriage. The media speculated that she landed the interview because of her close relationship with the Obamas, however the blogosphere suspected that she was given the exclusive opportunity because of her near-open secret that she was a lesbian at the time.
Roberts returned to GMA in February following a five-month medical leave of absence and is reportedly in good health.
