gma robin roberts overwhelmed live on air

Robin Roberts mourns sad death and reflects on 'precious moments' in emotional post

The Good Morning America star paid her respects on social media

US Managing Editor
December 30, 2021

Robin Roberts was in a reflective mood this week as she joined the many people around the world who mourned the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

MORE: Robin Roberts reflects on 'challenging' year as fans send their support

The Good Morning America star took to Instagram to share a photograph of herself with the late Archbishop and her late mother Lucimarian which was taken back in 2007.

Alongside the picture, the TV star wrote: "His recent passing made me think of this precious moment in 2007. My beloved mother and Archbishop Desmond Tutu."

VIDEO: Robin Roberts bids farewell to Good Morning America

Robin's followers were quick to comment on the post, with one writing: "Rest in heavenly peace Desmond Tutu," while another wrote: "Such a wonderful honor and memory to have met this incredible human!" A third added: "What a great picture. You know they are catching up in heaven right now."

MORE: George Stephanopoulos' actions leave co-star lost for words live on air

MORE: Robin Roberts shares bad news live on air - and fans react

The anti-apartheid hero passed away on 26 December at the age of 90 in his native South Africa following a battle with cancer.

Robin Roberts paid a heartfelt tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu

South Africa is holding a week of events to mark to passing of Desmond Tutu which will include two days of lying in state before an official state funeral on 1 January in Cape Town.

MORE: Robin Roberts joined by someone special during sun-drenched vacation

MORE: Robin Roberts marks end of an era with partner Amber as she returns to GMA studio

In a message of condolence, Queen Elizabeth II said she remembered with fondness her meetings with him, and his great warmth and humour.

"Archbishop Tutu's loss will be felt by the people of South Africa and by so many people in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and across the Commonwealth, where he was held in such high affection and esteem," she said.

Robin interviewed Archbishop Desmond Tutu for GMA in 2010

President Biden said he was "heartbroken to learn of the passing of a true servant of God and of the people", adding that his "legacy transcends borders and will echo through the ages".

MORE: Robin Roberts returns to GMA for exciting new project with co-star

MORE: Robin Roberts wows in poolside photo with partner Amber to mark special celebration

Former US President Barack Obama, meanwhile, described the Archbishop as "a mentor, friend and moral compass".

A statement on behalf of Desmond's family from Dr. Ramphela Mamphele, acting chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, read on 26 December: "Ultimately, at the age of 90, he died peacefully at the Oasis Frail Care Centre in Cape Town this morning."

Read more HELLO! US stories here 

Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best celebrity coverage

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Celebrity News

See more