Former “GMA” Anchor Joan Lunden Says Young Daughters Used to Come Downstairs and Kiss the TV Screen in the Mornings

In a recent interview with Woman’s World, Joan Lunden, famed anchor of ‘Good Morning America’ for 17 years until her departure in 1997, opened up about her time on the show and the challenges of raising a family while working in the demanding world of television. At 75 years old, Lunden reflects on a career that not only shaped her life but also served as a blueprint for working mothers everywhere.

Lunden was a comforting presence in American households, greeting viewers every morning with her warm and credible demeanour. Her tenure on ‘Good Morning America’ coincided with a transformative period in television history, and she played a key role in defining the show’s identity. In her latest feature, she shares treasured memories intertwined with the challenges of motherhood and a rigorous professional life.

During the interview, Lunden highlighted the importance of being present for her children, emphasising how she managed to balance her busy career with family responsibilities. Her seven children grew up understanding that their mother could excel in multiple roles: as a wife, a mother, and a professional. “What my children really got from those years was that I was at everything important,” she remarked. “But I also showed them that as a woman, you can be a lot of different things in life.”

Reflecting on her daughters’ school mornings, Lunden recalls a heartwarming ritual: they would rush downstairs to catch a glimpse of her on the screen, often blowing kisses to her. Rather than regret her time away from home, Lunden believes it instilled strong values in her children. One of her daughters later told her that seeing their mother work was a beneficial lesson, illustrating that ambition and success are attainable for women.

Beyond her home life, Lunden was a pioneer in reshaping societal norms surrounding women in the workplace, particularly regarding motherhood and breastfeeding. In an extraordinary move back in 1979, when ABC approached her to co-host GMA, she made a bold request to bring her infant daughter to work with her while breastfeeding. Though network executives were apprehensive initially, they eventually agreed, albeit with one caveat: they advised her not to openly discuss her situation.

However, the secret was soon out, and Lunden found herself breaking ground in a way that would influence future generations of women. ABC even allowed her to travel internationally—with her baby—during that first year. Remarkably, just a year old, her daughter Jamie accompanied her to cover the wedding of now-King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, marking a significant moment in television history.

“There was something comforting about waking up and seeing a person who was not only delivering the news but also navigating diapers and breastfeeding,” Lunden noted. This relatable quality endeared her to viewers and provided a fresh perspective on the role of women in broadcasting, serving both personal and professional narratives.

Lunden shares three daughters from her first marriage to Michael Krauss, with whom she was married from 1978 until 1992. Later in life, she formed a family through surrogacy with her second husband, Jeff Konigsberg. Together, they welcomed two sets of twins, further expanding their family unit.

After 17 impactful years, Lunden stepped away from ‘Good Morning America’ in 1997, but her voice has continued to resonate throughout the years. On March 3, she is set to release her eleventh book, titled JOAN: Life Beyond the Script, which promises to offer insights into her life away from the camera and the lessons she has learned over the decades.

Joan Lunden’s journey serves as an inspiring narrative, showcasing that women can effectively juggle multiple roles in life. Her reflections reveal not only the influence of a strong work ethic but also the invaluable lessons that come from nurturing a family while pursuing one’s passions.