Lucimarian Roberts, mother of Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts, has died. She was 88.
The death came just hours after Robin announced her early departure from the show to begin her medical leave. She was scheduled to temporarily exit GMA on Friday but moved her last day to Thursday to be with her ailing mother.
ABC’s Facebook page said Robin traveled “home to Mississippi just in time to see her.”
WABC-TV said Lucimarian was the first African-American to head Mississippi’s board of education. She also co-wrote “My Story, My Song– Mother-Daughter Reflections on Life and Faith” with Robin.
The news anchor was recently diagnosed with a rare blood and bone marrow disease called MDS, formerly known as preleukemia. She will undergo a bone marrow transplant from her sister and will reportedly return to GMA upon recovery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
