Robin Roberts Reveals the Real Reason for Her Absence from GMA

Robin Roberts, a familiar face from the "Good Morning America" panel, was missing this week. While questions swirled, the reason behind the absence was both personal and deeply meaningful.

"Good Morning America (GMA)" viewers are used to seeing Robin Roberts co-anchoring the show alongside George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan. However, Roberts was noticeably absent from the July 29, 2025, episode. Instead, Rebecca Jarvis filled in for her.

However, about two days before the episode aired, Roberts' wife, Amber Laign, posted an Instagram clip that explained the journalist's absence. The footage, set to "GOOD FEELiNGS" by Ayra Starr and Coldplay, and filmed in Rwanda, showed the couple overseas.

The duo were seen helping with construction, recording others dancing, and posing together. In the caption, Laign shared that she and Roberts were marking their 20th anniversary by visiting 20 African countries.

She mentioned that they celebrated with Giants of Africa (GOA) in a way they would never forget. Laign wrote that they were "surrounded by the energy, joy, and spirit of youth from 20 African countries."

That same day, Roberts posted a photo with her wife, confirming their presence in Africa. She explained that, in addition to their community service, they were also "celebrating young basketball players across Africa." According to the GOA's website, the event is a "week of community, culture, basketball, education and entertainment."

Roberts explained that Rwanda holds a national day of service on the last Saturday of every month. She concluded that it was a "Wonderful way for the two of us to celebrate 20 years as a couple...it certainly has been an adventure!"

The next day, she shared another lighthearted video of Laign dancing with other participants to a local song. She wrote, "No matter where we are in the world...she hears music and she's just gotta dance! Never a dull moment with this one."

The GOA Festival is a week-long event that brings together 320 people from across the African continent. The initiative aims to be "a catalyst for unity and personal growth." Its website adds, "The festival will serve as a unifying force that ignites potential and catalyzes change across the continent."

The site also states that participants "discover their potential, forge deep cross-cultural connections, and celebrate their diverse identities while building a network of lifelong friendships."

Hosted in Kigali, the GOA hopes participants leave the festival "inspired to uplift their communities and shape the future of the continent."

Roberts' colleagues celebrated her milestone, with Gio Benitez commenting on the star's Instagram post, "How incredible!!! Happy 20 years!! 😍" while Whit Johnson wrote, "What a special trip! And happy anniversary ❤️!"

Fans also joined in, with one writing, "Happy Anniversary! What an amazing way to celebrate!" Another commented, "What an uplifting & beautiful way to celebrate 20 years! Have an incredible trip 💛💛"

Before the anniversary, Roberts had already shared their plan to travel to Rwanda. She said they chose the location "because we wanted to celebrate that way, because our time together has been an adventure."

Laign revealed how they kept their relationship strong over the years, saying, "We keep it fresh. You've got to keep it fresh, have our little date nights. We're on a little date night tonight." At the time, June 12, 2025, the couple was attending the opening night of Broadway's "Call Me Izzy" at Studio 54.

Roberts added, "But also, I will say — and we're going to be honest — we've had peaks and valleys, many more peaks than valleys."

She described "communication" and "not seeing each other through the lens of your childhood" as crucial to their success, "Because everything goes back to when you were younger." The journalist said recognizing they had different upbringings was a breakthrough that helped their relationship grow.

During an April 2014 appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," Roberts revealed how she met Laign. She said they were introduced on a blind date in 2005. However, by the time of the interview, they still weren't living together, even though they had been a couple for nine years.

Though they usually keep their relationship private, the journalist publicly announced their engagement on a GMA. The announcement was made during an episode in January 2023, while sharing her intentions for the new year.

Speaking to Gabby Bernstein during their manifestation challenge, the GMA co-host admitted, "I'm hesitating because I haven't said it out loud yet..." before finally adding, "I'm saying 'yes' to marriage."

Roberts continued, "We're getting married this year." She explained that although they'd spoken about getting married earlier, they postponed their plans after Laign was diagnosed with breast cancer.

They finally tied the knot in September 2023. The couple held a private and intimate backyard wedding exchanging vows in Farmington, Connecticut, the day after they received their marriage license.

Robin Roberts and Laign's journey continues to reflect resilience, joy, and a shared sense of purpose. Their anniversary celebration stands as a testament to enduring love shaped by intention and growth.