Beloved “Good Morning America” co-anchor Janai Norman, who has manned the weekend desk for more than four years, shared an emotional goodbye after the network decided not to renew her contract.
The news began to circulate on Thursday, April 2.
Janai Norman’s Emotional Message to Fans
“I hoped to have more time,” Norman began in her video message shared via Instagram on Friday, April 3. “It’s been hard on me that our time was cut short. I have loved my job. It has been a joy to connect with my co-workers and with viewers to help keep you informed and entertained, and to create this community.”
She added, implying that the decision to leave was not her own, ” 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.”
The weekend anchor went on to explain that the silver lining in her situation is that her children will get more time with her on weekends.
“But i have these three young kids. And I have worked weekends their whole lives, and now they get more of me,” she said. “And that is worth everything. So, stay tuned. I’m sorry. I feel you. And thank you to every single one of you who has reached out with such kind and validating words. I have needed it, and I appreciate it.”
Norman â who has co-anchored alongside Whit Johnson and Gio Benitez at “GMA Weekend” â first joined ABC in 2011 as an intern.
She became a weekend co-anchor on the long-running news show in 2022.
A report from Daily Mail on Thursday claimed that Norman’s “contract was up. There was a decision not to renew.”
It’s unclear if Norman will appear on this weekend’s coverage or if her contract is over immediately
Janai Norman Receives Support From Fans
After she shared her message to fans, “GMA” viewers flooded the comments section with well-wishes and heartfelt praise.
“You were the reason I watched GMA on the weekends! Hug your babies tight, breathe, and know that the best is yet to come,” one fan wrote.
“Truly grateful for the endless memories and moments. Cheering you on through your next adventure â¤ï¸â¤ï¸” Norman’s co-host Whit Johnson commented.
A third follower added, “Oh Janai, this makes my heart so sad. You, Whit, and Gio were the dream team. You are an incredible journalist and anchor. I hope we can see you on tv in the future, but in the meantime, I hope you can enjoy the time with your husband and kiddos.”
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