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lara spencer friend loss© Photo: Getty Images

Lara Spencer mourns heartbreaking personal loss with moving tribute

Our hearts go out to the GMA star

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
February 6, 2022
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Lara Spencer broke her social media silence over the weekend when she revealed that she'd been absent for a heartbreaking reason.

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The Good Morning America star shared that she was recovering from the loss of her best friend over the week and had finally found the strength to pay her a tribute.

She shared an emotional post consisting of pictures of theirs over the years, including at Lara's wedding, among others.

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Lara penned a heart-wrenching caption, writing: "One week ago today we said goodbye to my best friend. It's a terrible loss for everyone who knew her, but she was adamant that we celebrate her 52 years of life."

She further detailed their relationship, revealing that this was a friend of hers from her teens and that they'd been through several of life's milestones together.

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"Julianne Shirley fought a mighty battle, giving her 5 kids and husband 7 years more than anyone thought she would. Some say it was a medical miracle, but not those who knew Julianne. She fought stoically; giving pancreatic cancer a run for its money."

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Lara revealed that she'd lost her best friend in the past week

Lara further detailed the pain of the loss by saying: "It's taken a week to be able to write anything because I want to get it right for her."

She concluded: "I hope these pictures capture just a glimpse of her spirit. If you knew her, you were one of the lucky ones. Rest In Peace my dear friend."

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Fans and colleagues took to the comments to send their love and support to Lara, with GMA co-worker Will Ganss writing: "Praying for her fam and yours… know how much she meant to you."

A fan said: "Sorry for your loss what a beautiful soul. Prayers and hugs to all," with another friend of hers adding: "Julianne fought so fiercely - GC lost a true gem."

lara spencer riva© Photo: Instagram

The TV personality last posted a snap of her dog Riva

While still appearing on GMA each morning, the TV presenter was noticeably absent from social media, her last post being a heartwarming picture of her dog Riva sitting on her belly.

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