Robin Roberts, the beloved Good Morning America anchor, has opened up about why she hesitated for so long before publicly coming out. 

In a candid interview on The Jamie Kern Lima Show, 

the 63-year-old journalist shared her deep-seated fears about how her revelation could impact both her career and the people she worked with.

Roberts, who has been a co-anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America since 2005, 

admitted that her decision to keep her personal life private wasn’t just about herself. 

She was worried about how coming out might affect the show and the livelihoods of those who depended on its success.

Fear of Backlash Held Robin Roberts Back

Roberts explained that she felt immense responsibility toward her colleagues, which played a major role in her decision to stay quiet about her personal life for years.

“It’s not the Robin Roberts show, it’s Good Morning America,” she said. “There are so many people whose livelihoods depend on the success of our show. So, if I do something that hurts the show, that hurts them.”

This concern weighed heavily on her, leading her to postpone revealing the truth about her relationship. Although she was open about her partner, Amber Laign, in private settings, she was hesitant to make a public statement.

Her Faith Made Coming Out Even More Difficult

Another major reason Roberts delayed coming out was her Christian faith. She feared that being openly gay would lead to rejection, as she had encountered the belief that a person couldn’t be both a Christian and a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

“I was afraid. People think you can’t be gay and a Christian. And I am. I was so fearful that I would be shunned,” she admitted.

Her fears, however, turned out to be unfounded. After publicly acknowledging her relationship with Amber in 2013, Roberts was met with overwhelming support—including from her own church. She recalled receiving a heartfelt letter from the National Office of the Presbyterian Church, reassuring her of their unwavering support.

“I received a letter, a beautiful letter from the National Office at the Presbyterian Church after I announced about Amber, fully supportive, and I think about all those years I wasted, worried, needless worry,” she said.

Robin Roberts and Amber Laign’s Lasting Love

Roberts met Amber Laign years before coming out publicly. While she wasn’t hiding their relationship, she wasn’t ready to fully embrace it in the public eye. Over time, Laign played a crucial role in helping Roberts overcome her fears and past emotional baggage.

The news anchor admitted that before meeting Laign, she had been in dysfunctional relationships without realizing it at the time. When she started dating Laign, she initially found the stability of their relationship unsettling.

“I’d had dysfunctional relationships that I didn’t know were dysfunctional at the time,” she explained. “Amber had already told me: ‘I’m not going to do one of those make-up, break-up things.’”

Because of her past experiences, Roberts equated love with conflict. She found herself feeling anxious when her relationship with Laign felt too calm and steady, thinking that it must mean the relationship wasn’t exciting or passionate.

“There was no drama,” she said. “The relationship was really good but this was my thinking.”

At one point, Roberts even considered ending the relationship. However, Laign’s response completely changed her perspective.

“I thought she would be like, ‘You must stay with me,’ and she did just the opposite with such confidence. [She said,] ‘I know what you had and I know what you have now, and if that’s what you want…’”

That moment was a turning point for Roberts. Instead of walking away, she stayed—realizing that she had finally found a healthy, loving relationship.

Now, nearly 19 years later, Roberts and Laign are happily married.

“We truly feel like newlyweds. Love it, I wish someone had told us earlier how great married life is,” Roberts gushed.

Supporting Each Other Through Health Battles

In addition to navigating their relationship and public scrutiny, the couple has also faced serious challenges together. In 2021, Laign was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle that tested their strength as a couple.

Thankfully, Roberts shared last year that Laign is doing much better.

“She is doing extremely well. The cancer is at bay, she’s recovering well and ready to move on to the next stage,” she said.

Through it all, Roberts and Laign’s bond has only grown stronger. From overcoming personal fears to standing by each other during life’s toughest moments, their love story is a testament to resilience, trust, and unconditional support.

Looking Back Without Regret

While Roberts acknowledges that she spent years worrying unnecessarily about coming out, she now fully embraces her life with Laign.

Her journey serves as an inspiration to others who may be struggling with similar fears. By sharing her story, she hopes to encourage more people to live their truth without fear.

“I think about all those years I wasted, worried, needless worry,” she reflected.

Today, Roberts is not only thriving in her career but also enjoying the happiness she once feared was out of reach. With Laign by her side, she has found the peace and love she always deserved.

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