Good Morning America host Robin
Roberts on Sunday came out lesbian.
The 53-year-old Roberts thanked
girlfriend Amber Laign for standing by her side as she faced a
diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a severe blood-related
condition. The pair have been rumored to be an item for over a
decade.
“I am grateful for my entire family,
my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to
celebrate a glorious new year together,” Roberts wrote in a
Facebook post.
Roberts' entire statement follows.
“Flashback 12/29/12….Hard to
believe this was 1 year ago today..when I reached a critical
milestone of 100 days post transplant…and KJ was finally allowed to
come back home.”
“Reading this comforts me and I hope
the same for you: 'If you are depressed, you are living in the past.
If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at
peace, you are living in the present.'”
“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.”
“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.”
ABC News responded with a brief
statement: “We love Robin and Amber, who we have all known for a
long time. We were so touched by her Facebook message today and so
thankful for all the loving support she has in her life.”
President Barack Obama turned
to Roberts last year to announce for the first time his support
for marriage equality.