Robin Roberts is gay: Thanks longtime girlfriend in Facebook post

By Nardine Saad

Dec. 30, 2013 12 AM PT

Robin Roberts has revealed that she is a lesbian, going public with the fact that she has been in a “longtime” same-sex relationship in a reflective message to fans.

The “Good Morning America” host publicly battled breast cancer in 2007 and was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder in 2012 that resulted in a bone marrow transplant and an ongoing health battle through 2013. On Sunday, the 53-year-old took to Facebook to share her gratitude to friends, family and fans, quietly outing herself and her girlfriend, Amber Laign.

In the post, Roberts shared a flashback photo of herself reuniting with her dog KJ and after reaching “critical milestone of 100 days post transplant” on Dec. 29, 2012.

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“At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude,” Roberts wrote in the message. “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.

“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. Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year. Peace, love, and blessings to all..XO”

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This is the first public acknowledgment the “GMA” host has made regarding her sexuality.

Laign, a San Francisco-based licensed massage therapist, has been with Roberts for 10 years. The pair met through mutual friends, People magazine said.

Roberts’ friends and co-workers have reportedly known about her sexual orientation for a long time, CNN reported.

“We love Robin and Amber, who we have all known for a long time,” ABC News said in a statement of support issued Monday (via Buzzfeed). “We were so touched by Robin’s Facebook message today and so thankful for all the loving support she has in her life.”

The co-anchor went on hiatus from “Good Morning America” during her treatment but chronicled the tumultuous journey along the way. In July, the former ESPN journalist was given the sports network’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2013 ESPY Awards, where she gave a moving yet upbeat speech about her health struggle. Laign reportedly attended the event with her, along with Roberts’ sister.

Roberts, who made several appearances on “GMA” during her hiatus, returned to the show full-time in September. Earlier this month, she was named one of Barbara Walters’ most fascinating people of 2013.

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