Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts revealed during an episode of the show that she and her partner Amber Laign were planning their nuptials after more than 17 years together.
“I’m hesitating because I haven’t said it out loud yet … I’m saying ‘yes’ to marriage,” Roberts told motivational speaker Gabrielle Bernstein on January 2. “We’re getting married this year.”
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer added that she and her future wife had previously “talked” about tying the knot but “put it off” due to Laign’s breast cancer diagnosis, which Roberts had shared last February.
As viewers of GMA may know, the co-host never misses an opportunity to celebrate Laign, whether it’s an anniversary or a special date night. Roberts’ opening up about their plans to tie the knot is another milestone- the next chapter in their beautiful love story.
‘Butterflies’: A beautiful love story that almost didn’t happen
The relationship milestone will probably mean that much more for the two of them because “they” almost didn’t happen.
According to an Instagram post by Laign, the couple first crossed paths back in July 2005. She met Roberts for drinks on a blind date that both had hilariously tried to cancel twice. Once they finally did meet up though, there was an instant connection.
“We had a second date soon after and I couldn’t believe how at ease I was with you as we shared each other’s lives sipping lychee and apple martinis,” Laign captioned her post. “You left for Tahiti the following day and during that time apart I grew this feeling inside of me that still, is very present today … butterflies.”
Their relationship blossomed since those first two dates. Although they shared their relationship status with loved ones, Roberts and Laign waited years to acknowledge their romance publicly.
‘Not everybody wants to be in the spotlight’
It wasn’t until December 2013 that the broadcast journalist publicly spoke about Laign.
While reflecting on her recovery from a September 2012 bone marrow transplant via Facebook, Roberts thanked her “longtime girlfriend, Amber.” In doing so, she shared her relationship status- and her sexual orientation- with the world for the first time.
Roberts needed the bone marrow transplant because she had been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome. Laign supported her throughout the ordeal.
The former college basketball star was able to return the favor and provide support for Laign when the latter was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2021.
With her relationship out in the open, the Alabama native gushed about her partner during an April 2014 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Roberts also talked about keeping her relationship private.
“Not everybody wants to be in the spotlight. She’s very, very supportive and she’s been right there behind me every step of the way,” Roberts said about Laign.
To this day, the couple continues to support each other. And while they keep a relatively low profile, the two are very much in love.