Robin Roberts Shares Why She Has Been Missing From 'Good Morning America'
The beloved broadcaster revealed that she's been away from the morning show to mark her 20-year anniversary with wife Amber Laign.
Robin Roberts and Amber Laign, who tied the knot in 2023 after two decades together, chose to celebrate the milestone in unforgettable fashion with a trip to Rwanda.
Robin Roberts Explains Her 'GMA' Absence While Celebrating 20 Years With Wife Amber In Rwanda
Roberts addressed her absence in an Instagram post on Sunday, sharing photos of her travels with Laign.
"We're in #Rwanda as guests of @inmuwetrust_ & @giantsofafrica celebrating young basketball players across Africa," she wrote, adding that the trip coincided with the country's monthly national day of service.
"Wonderful way for the two of us to celebrate 20 years as a couple…it certainly has been an adventure!"
Amber Laign Reflects On 20-Year Love Story
Laign also reflected on their anniversary in a heartfelt post, captioning a video of a joyous group dance in Rwanda.
"20 Years, 20 Countries, One Incredible Journey," she said. "Robin and I celebrated our 20-year anniversary in a way we'll never forget. In Rwanda, with Giants of Africa, surrounded by the energy, joy, and spirit of youth from 20 African countries."
She continued, "From dancing to community service that touched our hearts, this experience reminded us what truly matters: connection, purpose, and giving back. We're beyond grateful to have shared this milestone in such a powerful and uplifting way. Thank you, Giants of Africa, for letting us be part of something so meaningful."
Roberts and Laign's African getaway comes nearly a year after their star-studded New England wedding, which was attended by "GMA" co-anchors and close friends.
Robin Roberts And Amber Laign's Love Story Began On A Blind Date
Robin Roberts and Amber Laign's nearly two-decade romance started with a blind date that almost didn't happen.
During a 2014 appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the "Good Morning America" anchor revealed that she and Laign first met in July 2005 after friends set them up. "She doesn't really like the spotlight," Roberts said at the time, "but she's very, very supportive. She's been right there beside me every step of the way."
For their 15th anniversary in 2020, Laign offered a rare glimpse into those early days, sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
"15 years ago, I met you for drinks on a blind date that both you and I tried to cancel … twice," she wrote, recalling how Roberts' "grace" immediately caught her attention.
Their evening flowed into dinner, sparking a connection that quickly deepened.
Roberts Reflects On Coming Out
Roberts has previously opened up about the fears she carried before publicly sharing her truth.
In a candid conversation with IT Cosmetics founder and "Worthy" author Jamie Kern Lima, the "Good Morning America" anchor revealed that her biggest hesitation in coming out was the potential impact it could have on the show and her colleagues.
"It's not the 'Robin Roberts Show', it's 'Good Morning America,'" she explained at the time. "And there are so many people whose livelihoods depend on the success of our show. If I do something that hurts the show, that hurts them. I thought about that constantly. I didn't want to do anything to hurt the people I work with and absolutely adore."
Robin Roberts Admits She Feared Being 'Shunned' For Being Both Gay And Christian
While Roberts said she never tried to hide her relationship with Amber Laign, even introducing her when they were spotted in public, she admitted she wasn't fully ready to go public. A large part of that hesitation, she shared, stemmed from reconciling her faith with her sexuality.
"I was afraid that people would think you can't be gay and a Christian. And I am both," Roberts confessed. "I was so fearful that I would be shunned." That fear turned out to be unfounded.
After her 2013 announcement, she received an outpouring of love and even a supportive letter from the Presbyterian Church. Looking back, Roberts reflected with some regret, "I think about all those years I wasted, worried… it was needless worry."
Fans missing Roberts on their morning screens won't have to wait much longer. Sources say she is expected to return to "Good Morning America" on August 4.
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