GMA Hosts Fight Tears as Dr. Jennifer Ashton Bids Farewell: “This Is the End of an Era” Entertainment Feature
It was a moment filled with grace, gratitude—and more than a few tears.
On a recent broadcast of Good Morning America, the familiar, comforting energy of the studio took on a more somber tone as the GMA family came together to say goodbye to one of their most trusted voices and dearest friends.
After 13 groundbreaking years, Dr. Jennifer Ashton—ABC News Chief Health and Medical Correspondent and GMA3 cohost—is stepping away from the network that became her second home. Her exit, confirmed in an ABC press release, will coincide with the end of her contract in June 2025.
And while her next chapter is filled with purpose, the reason for her departure has left her colleagues, and millions of loyal viewers, holding back tears.
“She’s More Than a Doctor—She’s Family”
As the announcement aired, cohosts Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan were visibly emotional. Their long-time colleague and friend wasn’t just leaving a job—she was closing a chapter that defined a major part of ABC’s medical journalism in the 21st century.
“We’ve shared breaking news, heartbreaking headlines, and so many moments that impacted American lives,” said Roberts, her voice breaking. “And through it all, Jen was there—steady, calm, brilliant.”
There was laughter too—fond memories of early mornings, urgent health segments, and pandemic broadcasts from Ashton’s home office. But the goodbye was unmistakably heartfelt.
“She’s been our anchor in a storm,” Strahan added. “And the woman you see on camera? She’s the same off-camera—just incredibly warm and deeply committed to helping others.”
Why She’s Walking Away
While some exits are driven by burnout or behind-the-scenes friction, Ashton’s reason is deeply personal—and deeply purposeful.
She’s stepping away to launch Ajenda, a newsletter and platform focused entirely on women’s health—a cause she has championed her entire career. It’s a bold move into independent media, and one that aligns with a larger trend of experts reclaiming space to speak directly to audiences without filters or corporate constraints.
“I’ve been hearing from women across the country about the focus on weight loss and menopause dominating our society’s health conversation,” Ashton said in her announcement. “And I wanted to have an impact in a laser-focused way.”
Ajenda, she explains, is designed to “meet the moment,” giving women science-backed, shame-free, accessible guidance on topics that are too often misrepresented—or ignored.
“Women’s health and wellness is at a pivotal point in this country,” she continued. “Ajenda elevates the conversation. It’s personal. And it’s necessary.”
The Legacy She Leaves at ABC
Dr. Ashton’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary run.
A double-board-certified OB-GYN and obesity medicine physician with a degree in nutrition, she brought not just credentials to ABC—but clarity, empathy, and trust. Whether she was breaking down new cancer research, explaining vaccine safety, or guiding Americans through the mental health toll of the pandemic, Ashton’s voice became a trusted companion in uncertain times.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became a daily presence in households across the country. Calm under pressure and unflinchingly honest, she helped millions understand evolving science, counter misinformation, and protect their families.
“In those early days of COVID, I remember tuning in just to hear her take,” one viewer commented on social media after the announcement. “She made things make sense when nothing else did.”
In 2020, Ashton became a permanent cohost of GMA3, a role she embraced with energy and integrity. She balanced breaking medical headlines with heartfelt interviews and lifestyle coverage—bringing not only information but humanity to daytime television.
A Champion for Women
While Dr. Ashton’s resume spans networks—she’s also worked with CBS, The Dr. Oz Show, and The Doctors—her passion for women’s health has been the consistent thread.
She’s written multiple bestselling books on hormone health, mental fitness, and body empowerment. She’s covered topics ranging from perimenopause and fertility to body image and emotional trauma. And she’s done it with rare candor, often sharing personal stories, including her own journey through grief after the sudden loss of her ex-husband in 2017.
In doing so, she helped remove the stigma around grief, mental health, and emotional recovery. “When she opened up about that,” one GMA viewer posted, “she gave me permission to feel what I’d been trying to bury.”
Now, Ashton is pouring that same honesty into Ajenda, where she says no topic will be off-limits—from hormone therapy to weight stigma to health equity. And unlike traditional media platforms, she promises no sponsors, no shortcuts, no sugarcoating.
“She Will Always Have a Home at ABC”
ABC executives were quick to celebrate Ashton’s contributions. Debra O’Connell, President of News Group and Networks for Disney Entertainment, called her one of the most influential medical journalists of our time.
“As one of the preeminent medical journalists of our era—or as we call her here at ABC, ‘America’s favorite doctor’—Dr. Ashton has immeasurably contributed to ABC News as America’s No. 1 news network,” O’Connell said. “She will always have a home at ABC.”
That sentiment was echoed across the newsroom, where staffers recalled her kindness, her work ethic, and her commitment to mentoring young women entering science communication.
“She made medicine feel less scary,” one producer shared. “And she made every staffer feel seen.”
A New Chapter Begins
As she prepares to say her final on-air goodbye in June, Dr. Ashton remains focused on the mission ahead. Ajenda will be a free newsletter, launched on her own terms, with plans to grow into a multimedia platform. Early editions have already sparked buzz, covering everything from GLP-1 medications to hormonal mood swings with her signature blend of expertise and empathy.
And while she’s leaving the GMA stage, she isn’t leaving the conversation.
“This isn’t goodbye,” she told viewers during her announcement. “It’s just a new way of connecting.”
She thanked ABC for supporting her next step—and for helping her become the communicator she is today.
The Moment That Broke Everyone Watching
Back on set, as the show wrapped its tribute segment, cohosts grew quiet.
Cameras cut to Robin Roberts, who blinked back tears.
“You don’t replace a Jen Ashton,” she said softly. “You just thank your lucky stars you got to sit beside her.”
And then came Remi, Ashton’s teenage son, who surprised his mom live on air with a pre-recorded video thanking her for always being “more than a doctor—being our anchor.”
As the music swelled, Ashton smiled through tears.
“I’ll still be watching,” she said. “And I’ll still be talking to you—just from a different space.”
Final Words
Dr. Jennifer Ashton leaves ABC not with scandal or sorrow, but with celebration. Her impact will linger not just in the newsroom but in the lives she touched—on-screen and off.
In a media world often dominated by noise, she was a voice of calm, reason, and fierce compassion. And now, she’s making space for new conversations that women—and the world—have been waiting far too long to have.
From Good Morning America to the pages of Ajenda, Dr. Jen is still writing her story.
And the best chapters may be yet to come.
