Other famous names like Hilary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Kobe Bryant also send their messages to Roberts on her first day returning to 'Good Morning America'.
- Feb 21, 2013
AceShowbiz - Robin Roberts is officially back on "Good Morning America" after more than five months of medical leave. "I've been waiting 174 days to say this: 'Good morning, America,' " she said at the beginning of the Wednesday, February 20 episode.
"I keep pinching myself and I realize this is real. This is actually happening, and I don't have my froggy slippers on, or do I?" ," she said after footage of her being greeted by people in the studio was played. "Faith, family and friends have brought me to this moment and I am so full of gratitude."
"There's so many people that I want to thank throughout the morning, my doctors and nurses and family and colleagues and people who have sat in this chair and those who have blazed the trail before me," she added. "As my mother said, 'We all have something.' Everyone's story has purpose and meaning and value and I share this morning, this day of celebration with everyone."
In a taped video, the Obamas also welcomed back Roberts. "Good morning America and welcome back Robin," President Obama started. The First Lady then continued, "Robin, we just want you to know that the whole Obama family - we've been thinking about you and praying for you and rooting for you every step of the way."
Roberts' sisters, Sally-Ann and Dorothy, as well as former secretary of state Hilary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Kobe Bryant also sent their messages to the returning host through video or appearing on the set.
Her physicians Sergio Giralt and Gail Roboz were also present, being interviewed by George Stephanopoulos. They talked about Roberts' condition and the physicians said they would assess her condition after the show. "Today is a dress rehearsal, it's her first show, and we'll see how she feels tomorrow," Giralt said.
Roberts took a medical leave from "GMA" on August 30 to have a bone marrow transplant. She kept updating her fans on her condition while in hospital and in home. She is scheduled to interview Michelle Obama on Friday.
