HEY, IT’S GREAT TO SEE YOU: President and Mrs. Obama welcome Robin Roberts back to “Good Morning America” yesterday (inset), where she was joined by colleagues (above photo, clockwise from top left) Josh Elliott, Sam Champion, Lara Spencer and George Stephanopoulos. (AP)
ABC anchor Robin Roberts made a dramatic return to TV yesterday, nearly six months after she was sidelined with a rare blood disorder and underwent a debilitating bone-marrow transplant.
Looking painfully thin but flawlessly professional, Roberts kicked off the program with the words her faithful fans have been longing to hear.
“Hi, it’s Robin, and I’ve been waiting 174 days to say this,” Roberts said. “Good Morning America!”
Exactly five months to the day since her bone-marrow transplant, Roberts’ heralded return dominated a news lineup that featured stories about a Kansas City shopping-center blast, rising gas prices and Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius.
Roberts beamed in a bright blue dress as she listened to taped well-wishes from President Obama and First Lady Michelle, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Kobe Bryant and a very brief musical appearance by former “American Idol” runner-up Mandisa.
Roberts introduced her sisters — Dorothy and bone-marrow donor Sally-Ann — as well as her doctors, Sergio Giralt and Gail Roboz, who warned her that they’d be monitoring her to make sure she doesn’t overdo it.
Off camera, Roberts said the doctors weren’t kidding. When she was in New Orleans for the Super Bowl, and “GMA’s” Sam Champion was tweeting photos and videos of Roberts happily hugging people, she said, “My doctor e-mailed me, ‘Hey, knock it off!’ ”
Roberts’ compromised immune system makes touching, hugging and kissing off-limits for the outgoing morning anchor.
Roberts’ recovery has her on a limited schedule.
She plans to work her way up to five days a week soon, but producers have warned her to stay home if she’s too tired. However, viewers would never know Roberts is cutting back if her schedule this week is any indication.
Tomorrow, she will interview Michelle Obama for a “GMA” segment to air next week, then board a private plane and fly to Hollywood for some Oscar coverage — but not the red carpet — followed by Jimmy Kimmel’s after-show.
“I keep pinching myself and I realize this is real,” Roberts said on the set. “This is actually happening. . . . Faith, family and friends have brought me to this moment and I am so full of gratitude.”