Robin Roberts Return to 'Good Morning America': February Expected
Robin Roberts has announced her return to "Good Morning America" after a prolonged absence due to illness.
Robin Roberts will return to "Good Morning America" in February after being diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a blood and bone marrow disorder that required the news anchor to receive a transplant.
The absence was originally announced as short term, but in August Roberts stated that she would have to take leave for longer than expected.
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"Well, a full disclosure here, I'm not feeling too well," Roberts announced on GMA. "In fact I'm going to leave and let you all do the rest of the program on your own. I'm going to take a little time off, just to get some vacay ... I'll see you in a couple of weeks."
The timing of the announcement was difficult for GMA, which has been struggling to beat ratings for the "Today" show.
"'Today' beat 'GMA' by 1.5 million viewers Monday - that's up 47 percent from last Monday," spokeswoman Megan Kopf said in a statement over the summer. "Anyone would argue that Monday's win is a very significant win."
Roberts was open about sharing her experience getting a transplant and openly blogged about the procedure before it took place in September. Just before entering the hospital, Roberts admitted that she threw herself a party.
"Last Sunday to lift my spirits I threw a little party at my apartment for my 'GMA' family," Robins stated in a September blog. "The next morning I walked through the hospital doors, with my guardian angels- mom & dad- back together and blazing a trail ahead of me."
Roberts announced on Monday that she was anticipating a February return.
"We're talking about weeks, not months," Roberts said in a live telecast from her New York apartment. Since her leave, GMA has managed to secure its first place lead over "Today."
