Robin Roberts’ GMA Absence Explained as She Takes on Major 9/11 Anniversary Broadcast

Robin Roberts was noticeably missing from Good Morning America on Friday, September 11, but her absence was tied to a significant assignment later that evening rather than a permanent change to her role.

The longtime GMA anchor, 65, stepped away from the morning broadcast as ABC prepared its extensive coverage marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. While Michael Strahan and George Stephanopoulos anchored the program, Rebecca Jarvis joined them as a fill-in, while newly announced weekend anchor Whit Johnson reported live from the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.

Why Robin Roberts Was Missing From GMA

Roberts was scheduled to lead ABC’s special “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan” at 8 p.m. ET alongside David Muir and Diane Sawyer. The one-hour special, produced in partnership with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, was created to honor those killed in the attacks while reflecting on the lasting impact of September 11 and the resilience of survivors, families, first responders and communities affected by the tragedy.

The broadcast marked the first time the annual Tribute in Light installation was brought to audiences nationwide through a live television special. The two beams of light, which evoke the memory of the Twin Towers, have illuminated the New York City skyline each September 11 since 2002.

Roberts’ evening assignment explains why she was not in her usual chair that morning. According to the original report, she is expected to return to her regular GMA position on Monday.

The special also featured performances from Cyndi Lauper, Lainey Wilson and John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting, with the performances taking place at the base of the iconic light beams.

GMA’s Weekend Lineup Is Also Changing

Roberts’ temporary schedule change comes as Good Morning America undergoes a separate reshuffling of its weekend team.

ABC announced that, beginning September 12, Rachel Scott would join Whit Johnson on Saturdays, while Gio Benitez would be paired with Rhiannon Ally on Sundays. Leslie Lopez would serve as the weekend meteorologist on both days.

The changes follow Janai Norman’s departure from GMA after four years. Norman previously said she had hoped to have more time with the show and expressed sadness that she did not get the opportunity to say goodbye to viewers and colleagues properly.

For now, however, Roberts’ absence from Friday morning’s broadcast appears to have been a scheduling decision connected to ABC’s major 9/11 anniversary coverage, rather than an indication that she is leaving GMA.