Why Isn’t Robin Roberts on ‘GMA’? Here’s What She Said About Stepping Away

Robin Roberts is taking some much-deserved time off.

This week has looked different for Good Morning America viewers, with the longtime co-anchor missing from behind the news desk. The broadcast journalist veteran has starred on the morning program for over 20 years, sharing the latest headlines and reporting on important moments in history.

“Robin is the heart of GMA. She has a special connection to the audience, and all of us,” Roberts’ co-anchor George Stephanopoulos said in April 2022.

Over the years, Roberts has occasionally left the airwaves, most recently when she announced that she was taking time off with her wife Amber Laign.

So why exactly is Robin Roberts not on GMA? Here’s what to know about her absence and who has been filling in for her while she’s been away.

When was the last time Robin Roberts was on GMA?

Roberts’ most recent appearance on GMA was on Thursday, July 24, when she sat alongside her fellow co-host Michael Strahan. At the time, Stephanopoulos was on vacation, and ESPN personality Joe Buck was filling in for him.

That same day, Roberts posted an Instagram video, and closed out the clip by announcing that Saturday, July 28, was her and her wife’s 20th anniversary of their first date.

“Twenty years … and counting,” she said. “So we’re going away. We’re going abroad, and we’re going [to] a place that many have on their bucket list.”

Why isn’t Robin Roberts hosting GMA this week?

Roberts is not hosting GMA because she is in Rwanda for a good cause.

In an Instagram post from July 27, the co-anchor shared why she was missing from the GMA studio, revealing that she went to Kigali, Rwanda, for a volunteer trip.

“We’re in #Rwanda as guests of @inmuwetrust_ & @giantsofafrica celebrating young basketball players across Africa. Every last Saturday in the month in Rwanda is a national day of service,” she wrote in the caption of a photo featuring her and Laign.

The getaway is also a celebration of Roberts and Laign’s 20 years together as a couple. The two met on a blind date in July 2005 and married in September 2023.

Shortly after, Laign shared a video on Instagram of the volunteer group joyfully dancing. “20 Years, 20 Countries, One Incredible Journey,” she wrote in the caption, adding a heart and globe emoji.

“Robin and I celebrated our 20-year anniversary in a way we’ll never forget,” Laign continued. “In Rwanda, with Giants of Africa, surrounded by the energy, joy, and spirit of youth from 20 African countries.”

She ended the caption by writing, “We’re beyond grateful to have shared this milestone in such a powerful and uplifting way. Thank you, Giants of Africa, for letting us be part of something so meaningful.”

Roberts previously told PEOPLE in June 2025 that she and Laign would go to the country to mark the special milestone.

“Because we wanted to celebrate that way, because our time together has been an adventure,” she explained. “And we thought what better way than to be with the gorillas … in Rwanda?”

Who is replacing Robin Roberts on GMA this week?

Rebecca Jarvis has been co-hosting GMA during Roberts’ absence.

The ABC chief business, economics and technology correspondent has previously filled in for Roberts.

When is Robin Roberts returning to GMA?

The date of Roberts’ return to GMA has not been confirmed, but according to Page Six, she is expected to be back on the morning news program on Aug. 4. The Independent also reported that her return will happen during the first week of August.