Emotions ran high overnight at Good Morning America, as anchors Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, and George Stephanopoulos were reportedly shocked by devastating news about a longtime colleague. Sources close to the production describe the atmosphere as “silent and heavy — no one saw it coming.” One insider said, “They were preparing for the morning rundown when the call came through. Within minutes, everyone was in tears.” Robin was seen holding Michael’s hand, while George quietly stepped away from the cameras, visibly shaken. “They’re more than coworkers — they’re family,” another staffer shared. Fans flooded social media with messages of love and concern, using hashtags like #StayStrongGMA and #WeLoveYouFamily, as speculation swirled over the identity of the colleague and what had happened.
SADNESS FLOODS GMA OVERNIGHT – Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts & George Stephanopoulos Stunned by Heartbreaking News about their Colleague!
GMA and ABC News legend Michele Mayer is leaving the network after more than three decadesCredit: Instagram/abcworldnewstonightShe began her career at ABC in the mid-1990s as a teleprompter operator during Peter Jennings’ tenure on World News Tonight.
“When Shelly says sit up straight, you do,” David added.
Charles reflected on his first official night anchoring World News, recalling: “The first night the show was mine, not just filling in for Peter, I came into the studio and Michele said to me, ‘There may be some people around here who are a little bit afraid of you. I’m not. I’m the person that will tell you what to do.’ And she did, in the nicest way, for four years.”
David paid tribute to Michele’s long-standing role on the team. “I am still in denial about all this. I can’t believe Shelly is leaving. My partner in crime out there…you deserve this, Shelly, go home to Kentucky, back with your family and the horses and the beautiful countryside…I don’t know what I’m going to do,” he said.
Diane added: “We were just two Kentucky girls who got to the big city. She was hilarious when you needed a laugh and, most of all, she is and always will be a person who cares passionately about what we do.”
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Numerous ABC and Good Morning America colleagues shared messages of appreciation on social media.
“She always kept me on point btw. We’ll miss you fiercely, Michelle!” wrote Deborah in the comments of an Instagram post.
Chief meteorologist Ginger Zee called her “an institution,” adding, “Going to miss you dearly. Sending you all the sunshine.”
TV personality Julie Smith added, “This is soooo sweet! This relationship really does become a close and valued one. Also… Kentucky ladies are where it’s at!”
ABC News correspondent Mireya Villareal also chimed in: “What an amazing career and journey! Your love and protective energy for the set and all its people were incredible to watch and experience. Enjoy your time back home.”
Deborah Roberts led the tributesCredit: Getty
She began her career at ABC in the mid-1990s as a teleprompter operatorCredit: Instagram/abcworldnewstonight
Her departure was marked with an on-air tribute from the World News Tonight team
