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  • Christian Audigier: Ed Hardy Designer Dies of Blood Disease

    Christian Audigier, the French designer known for creating the Ed Hardy brand of clothing, has died of a rare blood disease at the age of 57.

    Michele Elyzabeth is Audigier’s longtime publicist. She confirmed his passing in a statement.

    “I just heard the news and I am truly devastated. Christian was an incredibly brilliant man. He will be missed,” she said.

    Diagnosed with MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) back in January, Christian Audigier was admitted to an L.A. hospital recently in a comatose state. He reportedly woke up from the coma prior to passing away. MDS is the same disease Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts suffered from. She received a bone marrow transplant from her sister in her efforts to beat the disease.

    Christian Audigier created the Ed Hardy label in the early 2000s. Made even more popular by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Ashton Kutcher, Nicole Richie, and Madonna, the popular trucker hats, t-shirts, swimsuits, dresses, and more were hugely popular.

    “My demo is tabloid magazine,” Audigier said in a 2009 interview with GQ. “I am different from the other designer. Because what they say they hate, I love. They say they hate it but they always looking at it.”

    Christian Audigier sold the Ed Hardy line to Iconix Brand Group in 2011 for more than $60 million.

    The brand slipped in popularity almost as quickly as it soared. Kate Gosselin’s ex-husband Jon Gosselin has been mercilessly targeted in the tabloids in recent years for still wearing Ed Hardy t-shirts.

    It’s sad that Christian Audigier has lost his battle with MDS. Sadly, not everyone is being respectful in light of his passing.

    Surely more information about Christian Audigier’s passing and any funeral plans will be shared with the media in the coming days.

  • Sandra Lee, Food Network Chef and Girlfriend of NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, Reveals She Has Breast Cancer

    Sandra Lee revealed to Good Morning America Tuesday that she is battling breast cancer.

    The Food Network star, Sandra Lee, said she was diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), a common noninvasive cancer contained within the milk ducts that can become invasive over time if left untreated. She said she was diagnosed after a routine mammogram.

    According to People magazine, Sandra Lee will undergo a double mastectomy this week.

    “Life can turn on a dime,” she told People about the diagnosis.

    Although treatment is normally a lumpectomy followed by radiation or a mastectomy, Sandra Lee has chosen to undergo a double mastectomy because she did not want to go through six to eight weeks of daily radiation.

    Sandra Lee, who had a mammogram before the recommended age of 50, said she also chose the more aggressive treatment partially out of fear of a recurrence.

    “I never want to go through this again,” she said.

    After her mammogram, Lee had a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, and underwent testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2, the genes that increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

    She tested negative, then consulted several doctors to help her make her choice of treatment.

    Sandra Lee’s boyfriend of 10 years, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, will be by her side in the operating room.

    “This is about her feeling secure and loved,” he told People.

    “My doctor called me a poster girl for mammography,” Sandra Lee said.

    The ordeal has taught the chef much and she says she plans to help others in the future.

    “Girls in 20s and their 30s just have to know. And I don’t want women to wait. And that’s why I’m talking … If it saves one person, and makes one more person go get a mammogram, and if they’re sitting down right now watching this, don’t watch this TV. Go pick your phone up, and call your doctor and get your rear end in there and get a mammogram right now,” Sandra Lee told fellow cancer survivor Robin Roberts.

  • Taya Kyle Recalls the Awful Day Her Real Life ‘American Sniper’ Husband Chris Kyle Was Murdered

    Taya Kyle still has trouble believing her Navy SEAL husband, real-life American Sniper Chris Kyle was murdered at a Texas gun range.

    On that fateful day, Taya Kyle recalls that when she learned he had been shot, she thought it must be some mistake.

    “He was a survivor and a fighter, and honestly, I didn’t know how many times he had been shot,” Taya Kyle told ABC News’ Robin Roberts in an exclusive interview for 20/20.

    “He had been in so many close calls that it didn’t seem real,” Taya Kyle said.

    America’s must lethal sniper in U.S. history and a highly decorated Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle knew all about combat and dangerous situations. But, all his experience and talent could not keep him from harm on Feb. 2, 2013, when former Marine Eddie Ray Routh shot to death Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield at the Texas hunting resort Rough Creek Lodge.

    Taya Kyle says she learned of her husband’s fate from Mark Treibly, a Midlothian, Texas, police investigator, who had played football with Chris Kyle in high school.

    “I remember looking in his eyes, so intently, and just saying, like, ‘Are you sure?’” Taya Kyle said. “Because I’ve had these scares before where I thought he was dead and he wasn’t. And he said, ‘Yes.’”

    Taya Kyle said the most difficult moment of the day came when she had to tell the couple’s two children their father was gone.

    “I just told them something really bad had happened and that ‘Daddy got hurt,’” Kyle said. “And my daughter looked at me and she said, ‘Is he dead?’ And then I just shook my head, and then just this sound from her chest and her stomach. … She was thinking, ‘That couldn’t possibly be true.’

    “It’s just very hard to understand. … ‘Why would he do that?’ You know, ‘Why would somebody do that to Daddy?’” Taya Kyle said.

    After managing to get through the days immediately following the murders, Taya Kyle recalls that the 200 mile trip from the AT&T Stadium in Dallas where a special memorial for her husband was held to Texas State Cemetery in Austin was moving and hard and unforgettable.

    “It’s 200 miles of people lining the streets and every overpass … and the bagpipers and people stopped on the other side of the freeway,” Taya Kyle said. “I mean, it was that feeling of patriotism and acceptance and that goes right in line with Chris’s life.”

  • Paula Patton On Life Since Robin Thicke Split

    Paula Patton filed for divorce from Robin Thicke back in October, and for the first time since then she spoke publicly of what life without him is like. Patton spoke with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America Friday.

    “I mean, the honest truth is it has been challenging, but it’s been a year of growth–lots of healing, learning about all new things. But, I’ve come out of it stronger, and my son’s happy, and I’m very, you know, I feel like everything happens for a reason. And then you have to move on and grow from there,” Paula Patton said.

    Roberts was surprised to see how positive Paula Patton is these days, in spite of the pain her split from Robin Thicke–and the events leading up to that split.

    “The truth is, it’s hard for me to say this, because I don’t always do this, but it’s being grateful for what you have. I mean, it’s so easy for all of us to focus on the negative things, but usually the positive in your life outweighs that, and you have to just be thankful for what you have right now. That’s what I try to work on. My son also helps me with that. The thing is you can’t wallow in sadness or stay in bed when you have a child. And they’re so full of life and wonder, and he brings me so much joy,” Patton explained.

    Paula Patton and Robin Thicke have remained friendly since their split. He didn’t want to give Paula up without a fight, however. He even wrote a song about winning her back, that was a flop. It didn’t draw Paula Patton any nearer to him either.

    It’s good to see that Paula Patton is doing so well since her split from the ‘Blurred Lines’ singer. Do you think he is doing nearly as well?

  • Robin Roberts Launches Production Company

    Robin Roberts Launches Production Company

    On Wednesday’s edition of Good Morning America, co-anchor Robin Roberts detailed her plans to launch a production company called Rock’n Robin Productions.

    According to Deadline, the company’s current projects include news-driven documentaries, a digital series for espnW, two reality show pilots, and a Thanksgiving special for ABC.

    Robin will serve as the president of the company, but will continue to co-host Good Morning America.

    “I’m blessed to be able to do even more of what I love to do and now reach an even broader audience with programming that will inspire, inform and entertain people,” Roberts said in a statement.

    “I’m very excited to get involved in the business and development side of production, and will spend a lot of time working with the team on the creative. I’m so grateful to my ABC and GMA family for supporting the launch of the company.”

    Roberts named ABC News Executive John R. Green as executive vice president of programming and development

    “Robin is an extraordinarily gifted journalist. I am honored to work with her on this new adventure,” Green said. “The programming we create will, in many ways, reflect who Robin is: smart, inspiring, and fun. Robin’s enthusiasm is infectious. Working with her is a true labor of love.”

    The company’s website, http://rocknrobin.tv/, was up and running as of Wednesday, September 3, and will give viewers a look behind the scenes and exclusive footage.

  • Robin Roberts Launches Rock’n Robin Productions

    Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, 53, announced the launch of her new production company on Wednesday.

    According to an ABC News press release, Rock’n Robin Productions will include news-driven documentaries, a digital series for espnW, two reality show pilots and a Thanksgiving special for ABC. And no, Roberts will not be leaving GMA but will continue to co-anchor the morning show while she oversees her new company.

    “I’m blessed to be able to do even more of what I love to do and now reach an even broader audience with programming that will inspire, inform and entertain people,” said Roberts. “I’m very excited to get involved in the business and development side of production, and will spend a lot of time working with the team on the creative. I’m so grateful to my ABC and GMA family for supporting the launch of the company.”

    On Wednesday, Rock’n Robin Production went live with its rocknrobin.tv website, which will feature behind the scenes video and photos from the various projects in the making. It will also feature a blog, N’Courage, which will feature individuals who overcome overwhelming odds and inspire others to overcome challenges.

    ABC News Executive John R. Green was named Executive Vice President of Programming and Development and will run the day to day operations of the new production company. Like Roberts, Green will maintain his position at ABC News as Executive Producer of Special Programming.

    “We have known each other for 15 years and worked on dozens of primetime specials together. I’m thrilled to be partnering with him once again,” Roberts said in Wednesday’s announcement.

    “Robin is an extraordinarily gifted journalist. I am honored to work with her on this new adventure,” said Green. “The programming we create will, in many ways, reflect who Robin is: smart, inspiring, and fun. Robin’s enthusiasm is infectious. Working with her is a true labor of love.”

    Wasting little time, Roberts’ first production, In the Game With Robin Roberts, will premiere on espnW today. Roberts will interview Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team.

  • Robin Roberts: ‘GMA’ Cohost to Christen New Blimp

    Robin Roberts–cohost of Good Morning America–will join a line of notable women in August when she christens the new Goodyear blimp. Several accomplished women before her have also been bestowed with the honor–Sally Ride and Amelia Earhart among them. Roberts has a family legacy with the Goodyear company as well as with the city of Akron, Ohio, where the Goodyear headquarters is located.

    “We are honored and delighted to have Robin continue our proud tradition of christening the Goodyear blimp,” said Richard J. Kramer, chairman and chief executive officer. “In addition to being a supremely talented broadcaster, Robin has a family legacy with Goodyear and Akron. The combination of her personal connection to our city and company, her distinguished professional achievements and charitable works makes Robin an ideal choice to christen our newest icon.”

    “This is incredibly meaningful to my family,” Robin said. “My great grandfather moved his family from down south to Akron in 1918 to work for Goodyear. Never could he have imagined that one day one of his descendants would be asked to christen the blimp. I’m very honored.”

    Robin Roberts’ history in Akron and Goodyear doesn’t stop there either. In addition to her great grandfather, Roberts’ grandfather, William Tolliver, worked at Goodyear, too. Her late mother, Lucimarian Roberts, was born in Akron and she graduated from East High School–which is located just a few blocks from the Goodyear headquarters. Roberts also has a family connection to aviation through her late father, Lawrence E. Roberts. He served in the United States military for more than 30 years. Col. Roberts was a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps’ prestigious Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He later became a flight instructor at the Tuskegee Institute.

    That said it’s abundantly clear why Robin Roberts was selected for the honor of christening the new Goodyear blimp. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s (GT) newest blimp–Wingfoot One–will be christened on Saturday, August 23rd, in Suffield, Ohio.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Joan Lunden Is Fighting Breast Cancer, Says She’s In ‘Warrior Mode’

    On Tuesday, former Good Morning America host Joan Lunden revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Lunden wrote a letter to her fans, which she posted on her website.

    She appeared on Good Morning America on Tuesday to share her experience. “In the beginning, it’s such a shock, it’s a stunner, and you think, ‘I do everything right!’” she said. At first, Lunden was questioning what she did wrong, but she said that she is now in “warrior mode.”

    She said that she has been getting mammograms and ultrasounds regularly, and according to her, nothing showed up in this year’s mammogram results. Her ultrasound, however, was a different story.

    After a post-biopsy appointment with her doctor, she learned about her breast cancer. “The words are almost surreal, when you hear, ‘You have breast cancer,’” she said.

    When she first heard of the news, Lunden, 63, initially considered keeping her condition a secret from the public. However, after thinking it through, she decided to share the news to the public.

    “I have decided to talk about my breast cancer because since the moment I took the job at Good Morning America I have lived my life sharing my joys and my disappointments with all of you: my pregnancies, my relationships, my career,” she said. Lunden was one of the hosts of Good Morning America from 1980 up to 1997.

    She continued to say that her cancer is part of her journey and she was not planning to keep it from everyone.

    Reports state that Lunden has already started her chemotherapy sessions. Although she said that she does not know how she will feel in the future, she is “assuming the best because that is how I live my life.” Her rep also said that she is sceduled to undergo radiation and lumpectomy and is expected to make a full recovery.

    Image via YouTube

  • Robin Roberts To Be Honored With Award

    Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts will be the recipient of the 2014 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism from Arizona State University’s Cronkite School.

    The school revealed that Roberts would be receiving the award on October 6 during a luncheon in Phoenix.

    Cronkite School Dean Christopher Callahan said that Roberts has made an outstanding contribution to journalism and has shown an immense amount of courage.

    Robin is a native from Mississippi and a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University. Before taking her job as a news anchor for Good Morning America in 2005, Roberts worked for several years for other television and radio stations, including ESPN.

    In 2007, Roberts fought a very public battle with breast cancer, and then a bone marrow disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome in 2012. After many lengthy treatments, Robin was able to win the fight, and recently wrote a book titled Everybody’s Got Something about her incredible journey.

    Robin credits the thousands of friends, fans, and family members that took the time to pray for her as the reason that she overcame death twice in less than a decade. She also credits her long-time girlfriend Amber Laign for helping her through the hardest time of her life.

    “Knowing that people from all walks of life and all faiths have taken the time to lift you up in prayer, and I know that’s a major reason why I’m here today,” Roberts said.

    Roberts said she is currently happier and healthier than ever.

    Image via Facebook

  • Robin Roberts to Receive Journalism Award

    The Arizona State University Cronkite School announced it will give the 2014 Walter Cronkrite Award for Excellence in Journalism to Robin Roberts.

    The Good Morning America co-host will receive the prestigious award during an October 6 luncheon to be held in Phoenix.

    Roberts was nominated for the award because she has made outstanding contributions to journalism, and demonstrated great personal courage, says Conkrite School Dean Christopher Callahan.

    Roberts battled and defeated a bout with breast cancer in 2007, and went on to fight myelodysplastic syndrome, a bone marrow disorder caused by the cancer treatment, in 2012. The journalist also recently announced she is in a long-term relationship with a woman.

    She and her girlfriend of nine years, Amber Laign, typically stay out of the spotlight, but Roberts thanked her for helping her get through a bone marrow transplant, in a Facebook post. It was in this message that she revealed the relationship to the world.

    Roberts found a perfect bone marrow match in her sister, Sally Ann. Her diagnosis and treatment inspired her to work to raise awareness for people, particularly African Americans, to volunteer as potential bone marrow donors. She is currently an Ambassador of Hope for Be the Match, a national marrow donor program.

    Roberts says she is now happier and healthier than ever.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news:

    Before joining the GMA team in 2005, Roberts worked for several radio and television stations, including ESPN. She is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University.

    Congrats!

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Robin Roberts Hits Red Carpet With Girlfriend

    Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts walked the red carpet with girlfriend Amber Laign on Monday for the 11th annual Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s Respect Awards. Roberts presented the Gay-Straight Alliance of the Year award to the Gay-Straight Alliance Club of Park City High School in Utah.

    “I’m particularly happy to lift up the leadership of students who fight for respect and dignity for all. I’ve experienced firsthand how we all…have something to give. Students like the ones GLSEN works with all across the country are truly putting that something to work in the service of a better world” said Roberts of the GLSEN.

    Roberts, who has been with girlfriend Laign for 10 years, came out in December 2013 however is notoriously private when it comes to her romantic life; A public outing for the couple is rare.

    Roberts discussed the reasons for keeping her relationship under wraps when she appeared on the talk show Ellen in April, telling host Ellen DeGeneres she kept her girlfriend private “‘Well because she doesn’t really like spotlight. Like she’s here right now. I can’t get her to come out. You know not everyone wants to be in the spotlight.

    Roberts also discussed the toll her cancer and treatment have taken on the relationship. “Sometimes we didn’t see the same thing eye to eye, and I thought it was very powerful for people, because there’s so many that care for their loved ones, and so to see her side of it and to see my side of it was pretty interesting” said Roberts, who battled myelodysplastic syndrome as result from her treatment for breast cancer.

    Roberts spoke to People Magazine about Laign in April, saying “Even though Amber is someone who shies away from the spotlight, it was important for me to let people know I have this person in my life.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Robin Roberts: The Things That Make Her ‘Happy’

    Robin Roberts is just one of the Good Morning America personalities to dance on TV to Pharell Williams’s hit song Happy. In a recent interview with a Memphis, Tennessee publication, she talked about the things that truly make her happy.

    One of those things is her long time girlfriend Amber Laign. The two have been together in a ‘closeted’ relationship for about 9 years. The two recently walked the red carpet together at the GLSEN Respect Awards. Despite their PDA, however, the couple has no plans to marry.

    “Amber and i are extremely happy and we’ve been together almost 9 years now. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Roberts said during an earlier interview.

    Being one of the co-anchors on Good Morning America makes Robin happy, too.

    “You know what a thrill that is to look in the camera and say “Good Morning America?” To wake people up and to say we want to do whatever we can to inform you first and foremost but then help you have a good day?” she asks.

    The question is indeed a rhetorical one, especially for those who have experienced Robin Roberts sharing her happiness on live TV. The breast cancer survivor and woman who recently defeated a rare blood disorder after receiving a bone marrow transplant from her sister exudes happy. She decided to live her life in the moment and sets a fine example for others in doing so, too. After all, how do any of us know that we have any more than this very moment in time?

    She recently shared some of the fun she and her GMA cohorts have during commercial breaks via a photo and message on Twitter.

    Can you feel Robin Roberts and her happy when you watch her on GMA? It’s practically contagious these days, isn’t it? Hopefully she will inspire others to live as she does.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Robin Roberts Steps Out With Girlfriend Amber Laign

    On Monday, May 19, Good Morning America news anchor Robin Roberts and her longtime girlfriend Amber Laign made a rare public appearance together at the 11th annual GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) Respect Awards in New York City.

    The awards are held to celebrate and honor those students who work hard to make schools safer for students that are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Roberts attended the event to present the Gay-Straight Alliance of the Year award.

    “I’m delighted to support GLSEN, an incredible organization that is working to end bullying and make schools safer for LGBT students,” Roberts said in a statement.

    “I’m particularly happy to lift up the leadership of students who fight for respect and dignity for all,” she added.

    Later that night, Roberts posted a picture of herself and Laign, along with the students, and wrote: “Honored to be with courageous students.”

    Roberts first went public with her relationship with Laign in December when she wrote a Facebook post thanking her friends, family, and Laign for their support while she battled breast cancer and her myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a rare blood and bone marrow disease.

    “At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude,” Roberts wrote at the time. “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 long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.”

    During a recent interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Roberts explained that Laign doesn’t like being in the spotlight and tends to shy away from the cameras. “Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight,” Roberts said. “She’s very, very supportive and she’s been right there beside me every step of the way.”

    Image via Twitter

  • Amber Laign and Robin Roberts Make Appearance

    Amber Laign and partner Robin Roberts hit the town together Monday night as they attended the 11th annual GLSEN Respect Awards at New York’s Gotham Hall.

    The Good Morning America anchor and her longtime girlfriend made a rare appearance at this particular event because it is one that is close to their hearts. The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network Respect Awards recognizes the efforts made to ensure schools are safe for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and their allies.

    “I am delighted to support GLSEN, an incredible organization that is working to end bullying and make schools safer for LGBT students,” Roberts said in a statement. “I’m particularly happy to lift up the leadership of students who fight for respect and dignity for all. Students like the ones GLSEN works with all across the country are truly putting that something to work in the service of a better world.”

    Roberts came out to the world in a 2013 Facebook post, in which she thanked her fans and those close to her for their support during her battle with myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood and bone disorder that had been caused by her treatment for breast cancer.

    “I am grateful for my entire family, my longtime girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together,” Roberts wrote.

    Roberts and Laign have been together since 2005, but the pair is notoriously private, making this appearance quite noteworthy.

    Roberts credits her massage-therapist partner with giving her the strength to battle and beat her fight with the diseases.

    Image via YouTube

  • Amber Laign: Robin Roberts Talks About Life Together

    Four months ago Robin Roberts made the decision to come out of the closet after a health scare led her to be more frank about her life.

    Now the Good Morning America host has shared more about her relationship with girlfriend Amber Laign and their life together at an appearance on Tuesday’s The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

    “We met on a blind date, it will be nine years in July,” Roberts said of her massage therapist girlfriend, who she says was her rock after she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome.

    After telling DeGeneres that Laine was backstage and didn’t want to appear on the show, she shared a photo taken of the couple on her 53rd birthday last November.

    “This is where I’m taking one for the team,” said Roberts. “She photographed much better in this picture than I did. But I said, ‘You know what? I’m going use this picture because you look so doggone good.’”

    The 54-year-old Roberts told Degeneres they don’t live together, and said Laign tries to stay out of the limelight.

    “Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight,” said Roberts. “She’s very, very supportive and she’s been right there beside me every step of the way.”

    The cancer survivor said that it was Laign’s support during her health scare that ultimately led her to decide to come out last December in a Facebook post.

    “I had been thanking my doctors and nurses, my sister, who was a perfect match — and rightfully so. I asked [Laign], I said, ‘I really want to say thank you.’”

    Her post thanking “my long time girlfriend, Amber” led to headlines, and a month later, Roberts shared a photo of them with her GMA family.

    Roberts talked about her memoir, Everybody’s Got Something, which includes details about their relationship and the struggles the two faced during Robert’s health crisis.

    “In the book, she takes the caregiver’s point of view and it’s really funny that sometimes we didn’t see the same thing eye to eye,” Roberts said. “I thought it was very powerful for people because there’s so many that care for their loved ones. So to see her side of it and to see my side of it was pretty interesting.”

    Roberts also thanked DeGeneres for being a “trailblazer,” giving others the courage to come out without fear.

    “You have helped a lot of people like myself to have that discussion with their families because you are so well respected and loved and it’s really helped a lot of us and I thank you for that.”

    Roberts says her health is good these days, and she’s “strong like a bull.”

    She added, “I have never been this happy nor healthy in such a long time.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Amber Laign: Robin Roberts Talks About Girlfriend

    Several months after coming out as gay, Robin Roberts is finally opening up about her long-time girlfriend Amber Laign, who is a licensed massage therapist.

    In December 2013, Roberts posted a thank you message on Facebook. The message read: “At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude. 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 long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.”

    This was the first time that Roberts had publicly revealed that she was a lesbian. Now, four months later, Roberts is talking about her relationship with Laign and how she helped her through the toughest time of her life. Roberts explained to Ellen DeGeneres that Laign doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, and tends to shy away from the cameras. She revealed that they would be celebrating their ninth anniversary this July.

    “Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight,” Roberts said. “She’s very, very supportive and she’s been right there beside me every step of the way.”

    Roberts recently finished her chemotherapy treatments for her cancer diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome. She explained that, although she will be receiving maintenance treatments for the next two years, she feels better than she ever has. Roberts credits Laign for helping her through her battle and taking care of her when she needed it most. She even included Laign in her new book Everybody’s Got Something.

    “In the book, she takes the caregiver’s point of view and it’s really funny that sometimes we didn’t see the same thing eye to eye,” Roberts told DeGeneres. “I thought it was very powerful for people because there’s so many that care for their loved ones. So to see her side of it and to see my side of it was pretty interesting.”

    Image via Facebook

  • Robin Roberts Releases Her Memoir

    Robin Roberts Releases Her Memoir

    Robin Roberts has released her memoir. Titled Everybody’s Got Something, it recently went on sale at book stores and at online book sellers, too. In it she explains that the title comes from something her mother always used to say, and that her own “something” came in the form of a myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis. The Good Morning America host stopped by The Late Show to visit with David Letterman earlier this week, and she dished about her health, her happiness, and her new book.

    “I can look at your right now and say I am healthier and happier than I’ve ever been,” Roberts gushed. “That’s all the matters.”

    “Nobody gets a free ride,” Letterman told her in response.

    “You think you’re the only one,” Roberts said of overcoming her health struggles. “And my momma would say, ‘Honey, everybody’s got something.’ Everybody’s got something, not just a challenge, but something to give to help you get through that challenge.”

    Robin underwent a successful bone marrow transplant about a year ago while on leave from GMA. In addition to having myelodysplastic syndrome, she is also a breast cancer survivor.

    “I am humbled that many have an interest, and draw strength from my on-going journey,”she said, adding that she’s “grateful for the prayers and well wishes of so many people.”

    Everybody’s Got Something isn’t Robin Roberts’ first book either. She is also the author of From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By which made it to the New York Times Best-Seller’s List. During a recent book signing for her new book, however, she was surprised by a visit from former GMA anchor Charlie Gibson.

    Robin Roberts impressed fans with her strength of character and attitude as she battled her most recent illness. They–along with those at the ABC Network–were beyond thrilled when she survived the harrowing medical ordeal and made her return to Good Morning America.

    Will you be checking out Robin’s new book?

    Image via Twitter

  • Lara Spencer to Co-Host Good Morning America

    Lara Spencer was promoted on Good Morning America and will join other co-hosts George Stephanopolous and Robin Roberts, ABC News announced Friday.

    Spencer, 44, recently renegotiated her deal with ABC, which coincides with Josh Elliott‘s announcement that he was leaving GMA for NBC Sports.

    “A key member of our on-air team, Lara Spencer, rejoined ABC three years ago – bringing her style, humor, sunny confidence, wonderful journalism and storytelling to GMA. Lara is clearly an essential ingredient in the success we have enjoyed and I am so pleased to announce that Lara has been elevated to co-host of the program along with Robin and George,” said ABC News President James Goldston in a note posted to the ABCNews website Friday.

    “Lara grew up at WABC and GMA and then returned to us in 2011 as GMA mounted its epic challenge,” said Goldston. “A New York Times best-selling author with another book on the way, the creator and executive producer of Flea Market Flip on HGTV and great mom to Duff and Kate, Lara is simply as talented as they come.”

    Stephanopolous tweeted about the big news on Friday.

    Spencer has been Good Morning America‘s lifestyle anchor since rejoining ABC in 2011 and was previously a national correspondent for the morning show from 1999 to 2003.

    Spencer tweeted her thanks Saturday to all her well-wishers.

    Spencer should be a great addition to the morning program. Here’s a view of some of her fun antics.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Lara Spencer Named New ‘GMA’ Co-Host

    Lara Spencer was named a Good Morning America co-host on Friday. This puts her in the same playing field as both Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos and means she will have far more exposure during the first hour of the show. This is just another of a string of changes at GMA. Sam Champion was replaced by Ginger Zee in December and Josh Elliott was replaced by Amy Robach just a few weeks ago. Sources expect Spencer’s promotion is the last of the big changes for the show. Her promotion was announced publicly just a month after she signed a new ABC News contract.

    Spencer’s big news was announced by James Goldston, president of ABC News. In an internal memorandum he told those who work on the show that “Lara is clearly an essential ingredient in the success we have enjoyed.”

    Lara Spencer hosted the entertainment news magazine The Insider before she became part of Good Morning America back in 2011, as “lifestyle anchor,” a job was was created just for her. Her signature segment has been the “Pop News Heat Index,” a one-hour summary of entertainment and pop culture news stories running from 8:00 to 9:00 A.M.

    It was two years ago this very week that Good Morning America overtook The TODAY Show in the morning news program ratings. That ended a 16-year streak TODAY had of being the winning news program. They have yet to regain that status. Just last week GMA led TODAY by 279,000 viewers between the ages of 25 and 54. This age group denotes a key demographic for news advertisers.

    It was announced just a few days ago that Live with Kelly and Michael star Michael Strahan will also be joining Good Morning America as a special correspondent. He won’t be leaving the show he co-hosts with Kelly Ripa, however. He and Lara Spencer are shown in her Instragram photo as she tells him he will need extra caffeine in order to be part of the morning news show.

    Congratulations to Lara Spencer on her promotion at Good Morning America. How do you suppose Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos feel about sharing the limelight with a third party? Do you suppose they are on board with Spencer’s promotion or are they feeling as though they’ve been thrown under that proverbial bus?

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  • Michael Strahan to Join ‘Good Morning America’

    Michael Strahan may soon be joining the cast of Good Morning America according to unnamed sources with knowledge of ABC’s plans for the flagship morning show.

    Strahan currently co-hosts the network’s Live with Kelly and Michael, which runs right after GMA.

    On Wednesday, Strahan assured Live viewers that he wouldn’t be leaving cohost Kelly Rippa’s side anytime soon: “I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here on Live, okay?”

    He did, however, confirm he’s been talking with network executives about joining GMA, adding that “I don’t think I could do an everyday thing.”

    Strahan, who played for the New York Giants from 1993-2007, would appear during the first hour of GMA, an arrangement that would afford him plenty of time to make it to the Live studio. GMA airs from 7:00 am and Live at 9:00 am.

    GMA is currently coanchored by Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos. Amy Robach is news anchor, Lara Spencer is lifestyle anchor, and Ginger Zee is weather forecaster.

    The addition of Strahan to the GMA cast would balance out the male-female ratio.

    Josh Elliott left his role as news anchor for NBC Sports just last week and Sam Champion left for The Weather Channel in December after seven years as GMA’s weather anchor.

    In a staff memo regarding Robach’s succession of Elliott as news anchor, ABC News president Ben Sherwood wrote “In the days ahead, there will be more good news on the show, so stay tuned.”

    The network announced on March 24 that Sherwood would replace Anne Sweeney as Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks and President, Disney/ABC Television Group effective February 2015.

    In the press release, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger cited Sherwood’s success with GMA:

    “Ben is one of those unique executives who combine rich creative experience with great business acumen. He’s also focused, strategic, and competitive, as evidenced by the success of GMA, the Yahoo deal that delivered ABC News online dominance, and his vision behind our new cable and digital joint venture, Fusion. These reasons, and many others, make Ben the ideal candidate to oversee the future of the Disney/ABC Television Group.”

    As of the end of March, industry sources ranked GMA as the number one morning news program for the second straight year in both total viewers and adult viewers age 25-54.

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  • Lara Spencer to Stay at ‘Good Morning America’

    Lara Spencer has finalized plans to stay at Good Morning America on a long-term basis.

    “You know you’re in the right job when getting up at 4 a.m. is a joy,” said Spencer in a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter. “This was a simple decision; I love what I do, and I adore the people I work with. I am thrilled to be on this team and look forward to many more years.”

    ABC Senior Vice President Jeffrey Schneider is thrilled.

    “We couldn’t be happier,” he said. “Lara is a uniquely gifted anchor at the top of her game. She brings so much energy, fun and smarts to every single broadcast. She is beloved by our viewers with good reason.”

    Spencer has been the show’s lifestyle anchor since back in 2011, and has represented Good Morning America at several big events like the Academy Awards. She also hosts a show on HGTV where she hunts for and restores treasures found at flea markets all around the country. Her two worlds often collide.

    “Lara is a talented producer who has created terrific original content,” Schneider added. “And we expect that she will continue to flex those muscles in the coming years.”

    No word has leaked yet on what Lara Spencer’s new GMA contract might be worth. Good Morning America has been ranked as the top morning news show for about two years now–ever since Ann Curry was fired as cohost of The TODAY Show.

    Lara’s new contract meant what is no doubt an even better one for Robin Roberts as well. Negotiations are presently underway with Josh Elliott, who has been offered a spot with NBC Sports. He has left than a month left on his ABC contract and the network would reportedly like to keep their present team together.

    What’s your take on Lara Spencer becoming a permanent GMA figure?

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