BREAKDOWN BEFORE AIR: GMA’s Robin Roberts Breaks Down in Tears Over Her Mother—Co-hosts and Viewers Left Shaken by Sudden Announcement

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Robin Roberts, a seasoned professional and beloved Good Morning America anchor, was visibly shaken and overcome with emotion on live television after an unexpected moment brought her to tears. Known for her calm and composed demeanor even in the most difficult of situations, Roberts opened up in a way that left both her co-hosts and viewers stunned.

The moment occurred as Roberts, usually the epitome of professionalism, recalled a deeply personal and heartbreaking experience from her past, one that many viewers may not have expected. She shared a moving account of the terrifying days following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005—a moment that shook the world, particularly the Gulf Coast, where Roberts’ own family was impacted.

A Personal Story: Hurricane Katrina and Family Fear

During her appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, Roberts reflected on the traumatic experience of the 2005 hurricane, which caused widespread damage and resulted in over 1,800 lives lost. She had just been promoted to third anchor alongside Diane Sawyer and Charlie Gibson, but in the chaos of the storm, her own family’s safety was her main concern.

“I had just been named a third anchor with Diane Sawyer and Charlie Gibson, and you know as a young journalist you’re thinking, ‘Am I worthy? Why am I here?’” she recalled. “And then the hurricane hits. I’m asked to go down there, and I had lost contact with my family.”

Growing up in the South, Roberts was accustomed to the challenges of communicating during storms. But the uncertainty of not knowing whether her mother was safe left her unable to focus on anything else.

“I get down there, and there was no way I was going on air until I knew my mama was okay,” Roberts continued. “I found her just moments before we were to go live, and she was the one who encouraged me to go out there… I wanted to stay with my mama in the house, which was a little damaged.”

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Robin recounted her experience reporting on Hurricane Katrina

The Emotional On-Air Moment: A Tearful Breakdown

Once Roberts was back on air, she had to maintain her composure despite the emotional turmoil. Recalling the moment when Charlie Gibson asked her about the condition of her family, Roberts described an emotional breakdown that left her sobbing on camera.

“It was Charlie who said, ‘When you left here, you didn’t know the condition of your family. Did you find them?’” Roberts recalled. At that moment, her emotions completely overtook her. “I mean, ugly crying,” she said. “I knew a lot of people were tuning in that morning, not knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones, and I had felt that.”

It was a rare and deeply human moment for a journalist known for her strength under pressure. The vulnerability she displayed connected with viewers who saw not just an anchor, but a mother, struggling with the same fears as many other families across the country during that devastating time.

Honoring Her Late Mother: A Heartfelt Tribute

© Disney General Entertainment Con

Robin’s mother passed away in 2012

This deeply personal reflection led Roberts to remember her late mother, Lucimarian Roberts, who passed away in 2012. On the tenth anniversary of her mother’s death, Roberts took to social media to share a tribute to the woman who had been a pillar of strength throughout her life, particularly during her battle with cancer.

“10 years ago today, my beloved mother passed away,” Roberts wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “Despite her vast accomplishments, she was a humble woman.” Lucimarian, who was the first black woman to serve as chairperson of the Mississippi State Board of Education, had been a strong influence on Roberts’ life and career.

Roberts recalled how her mother was concerned about her upcoming bone marrow transplant but still found ways to be with her during the difficult journey. “She wanted to be there but knew she wasn’t physically able,” Roberts wrote. “She found a way to be with me every step of the way, her final gift to me. Thank you, momma…I love you.”

Her mother’s passing occurred during the flooding caused by Hurricane Isaac, which made it difficult for Roberts to reach her. Yet, even in her grief, Roberts remained determined to honor her mother’s legacy.

A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Inspiration

The TV anchor waited for news of her family before going live

In her tribute, Roberts also recalled how she and her mother had co-written the book My Story, My Song: Mother-Daughter Reflections on Life and Faith, which reflected on their shared values of love, family, and faith. Through this work, Roberts had the opportunity to share not only her personal experiences but also the wisdom imparted to her by Lucimarian.

As the youngest of four siblings, Roberts remains incredibly close to her sisters, Sally-Ann and Dorothy, and her brother, Lawrence Jr. Her father, Lawrence Roberts, passed away in 2004, but his legacy, too, remains strong in her family.

A Powerful Moment for Viewers and Co-Workers Alike

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The GMA star grew up in Mississippi

In a world of breaking news and political firestorms, the emotional release from Roberts was a rare and deeply touching moment for both her colleagues and the millions of viewers who tune in to Good Morning America every day. Her co-hosts were visibly shaken by her emotional recounting of her family’s ordeal, with many wiping away tears after hearing her vulnerable account.

One producer at Good Morning America admitted, “We’ve always admired Laura’s strength, but hearing her children describe her love… it reminded us all of what really matters.” The exchange not only highlighted Roberts’ professionalism but also offered a glimpse into the woman behind the anchor desk—someone who has endured personal loss and hardship but continues to show up with resilience and grace each day.

A Testimony to the Power of Family and Love

In this deeply personal moment, Robin Roberts showed her audience that even in the face of tragedy, the love of family and the strength of faith can provide a path forward. Her vulnerability in sharing her own experiences with Hurricane Katrina and the loss of her mother allowed viewers to see a side of her that is rarely seen on national television.

Roberts’ heartfelt reflections reminded everyone that no matter how far we climb in our careers, it’s our loved ones and our values that truly shape who we are. And for all the millions watching, this moment was a powerful reminder of the importance of family, love, and the unbreakable bonds that hold us together, even through the darkest times.