A "Good Morning America Weekend" co-anchor opened up about her departure from the ABC early news program.
Janai Normanreleased a candid videoabout her abrupt exit on her social media accounts on Friday, April 3.
“I hoped that we’d have more time, and it’s been hard on me that our time was cut short," Norman, 36, shared. "I have loved my job. It has been a joy to connect with my coworkers and with viewers, to help keep you informed and entertained, and to create this community.”
Norman has been a co-anchor on the show since 2022,DeadlineandEntertainment Weeklyreported. She worked alongsideGio Benitez and Whit Johnson.
“So it really breaks my heart that I don’t get to say goodbye. I’m so sorry that I don’t get to say goodbye. It would’ve been fun," she continued. "But I have these three young kids, and I have worked weekends their whole lives, and so now they get more of me. And that is worth everything."
"Good Morning America," ABC's morning show, premiered on Nov. 3, 1975, with co-anchors David Hartman and Nancy Dussault.
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Hartman with Joan Lunden on Oct. 7, 1980, the year Lunden became co-anchor.
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Charles Gibson became a host in 1987; Diane Sawyer became co-host in 1999.
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Robin Roberts made her debut as a GMA contributor in 1995; she was promoted to coanchor in 2005 (with Gibson and Sawyer on May, 9 2005).
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The morning program closed down Times Square to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a block party and concert on Nov. 3, 2005. Past and present "GMA" personalities attended, including Roberts, Gibson, Sawyer, Hartman, Lunden, Tony Perkins and Spencer Christian.
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Beyoncé talked about her role in "Dreamgirls" with Sawyer on Dec. 19, 2006.
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Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz visited the show in Times Square on June 22, 2010, roughly six months after George Stephanopoulos became a "GMA" coanchor.
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Roberts interviewed Maya Angelou for her cookbook, "Great Food, All Day Long," on March 31, 2011.
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Roberts (with Stephanopoulos) returned to anchor "Good Morning America" on Feb. 20, 2013, nearly six months after taking a leave of absence and undergoing a bone marrow transplant for a rare blood cancer.
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In 2016, Michael Strahan joined the crew. Pictured: He, Roberts and Stephanopoulos celebrate the 2018 Oscars.
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Strahan and Roberts (on May 19, 2018) traveled to London for coverage of the royal wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.
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The show celebrated Strahan's 50th birthday on Nov. 15, 2021.
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“Road to the Ring” celebrated co-anchor Roberts and her longtime partner, Amber Laign, with a live bachelorette party on Aug. 16, 2023.
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Meteorologist Ginger Zee and anchor Sam Champion were joined by Ray, the "GMA" mascot, during the July 19, 2024 show.
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Actress Susan Lucci reenacted a soap opera fight on "GMA," drenching Strahan with water on Feb. 24, 2025.
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Strahan, Roberts, and Stephanopoulos at the show's new studios at Hudson Square in New York City on June 16, 2025.
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'Good Morning America' turns 50! A look back at the first broadcast through today
"Good Morning America," ABC's morning show, premiered on Nov. 3, 1975, with co-anchors David Hartman and Nancy Dussault.
Another anchor departs show:CNN anchor announces farewell from early morning news program
'Stay tuned,' Norman says
Norman, an alumna of the University of Missouri-Columbia, initially joined the network in 2011 as an intern,"per her bio. After some time in local news, she returned to ABC and worked on several programs at the network. She is credited with helping to spearhead the second hour of Saturday's "GMA" in 2019.
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"When I was an intern here...starting out on this journey, this is exactly where I wanted to be so it's unreal. It is such an honor," Normansaidwhen she first joined "GMA Weekend" as co-anchor four years ago.
According to reports citingStatus, Norman's contract expired and was not renewed. In her farewell video, she said, "Stay tuned."
"I’m sorry. I feel you, and thank you to every single one of you who has reached out with such kind, validating words," Norman continued. "I have needed it, and I appreciate it.”
Norman's colleagues responded to the news
Norman's ABC colleagues and other industry professionals sent her heartfelt messages in the comment section.
"Hope you’re feeling the love from everyone responding. You are a true gem and thoroughly enjoyed working with you. I treasure our friendship," "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts stated.
Norma's co-anchors also chimed in. "Love you very much," Benitez wrote. "Truly grateful for the endless memories and moments. Cheering you on through your next adventure," Johnson added.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Janai Norman is leaving 'GMA Weekend,' announces departure, exit
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