Former New York Giants player Michael Strahan speaks during the ceremony to retire his number at half time of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 28, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.© Getty Images

Michael Strahan gets emotional on-air as he announces baby news in the family

The Good Morning America anchor is now officially a grandfather!

Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
September 23, 2024

Congratulations are in order for Michael Strahan! The 52-year-old TV anchor and former pro football player revealed that he has become a grandfather for the first time.

During the opening segment of Fox's NFL Sunday, the anchor was probed about the new addition to his family, and revealed to his co-hosts that he did in fact have a new bundle of joy in his life.

"Yes! I am a grandfather, everybody," he shared, confirming that his oldest daughter, 32-year-old Tanita Strahan, had welcomed a baby boy. Tanita is yet to announce the news publicly, her last post on social media was from October 2023.

The Good Morning America host didn't reveal much else about the newborn, but did share his name — Onyx. "Onyx is his name—that means 'black,'" he gushed, taking the time to then reflect on achieving that new milestone in his fatherhood journey.

"It's really special, because, you know, I know you guys have gone through this," he said while motioning to the other grandfathers on the panel. "And now I'm just happy to be able to join you in that club."

Michael shares his daughter Tanita and his only son, 29-year-old Michael Jr., with his first ex-wife Wanda Hutchins. With his second ex-wife Jean Muggli, he welcomed 19-year-old twins Sophia and Isabella Strahan. He is currently in a relationship with Kayla Quick.

Michael's daughter Tanita posing for a photo© Instagram
Michael's daughter Tanita Strahan has welcomed a baby boy

Last year, as a guest on the podcast Now What? with Brooke Shields, the former NFL star reflected on his early years of fatherhood and whether he had any regrets with the way he raised his two oldest children.

MORE: What happened between GMA's Michael Strahan and his first ex-wife Wanda?

"I didn't know what my future was gonna be," he admitted. "I knew I'd work hard. I knew that if I had an opportunity, I would do my best at it."

© Getty Images
"It's really special, because, you know, I know you guys have gone through this, and now I'm just happy to be able to join you in that club."

"But it was still tough. [I was] so young and having kids and having all the responsibilities, I do look back, and I do wish I did a lot of things better as far as being a parent because I felt like there was so many times I should've probably sacrificed certain things in order to be a little bit more present." 

LATEST: Michael Strahan 'chokes' live on-air as GMA co-stars have unexpected reaction

GMA presenters at a glance

Robin Roberts

Started her career as a sports anchor for local television, becoming GMA co-anchor in 2005.

George Stephanopolous

Served as White House communications director during the Bill Clinton administration, joining GMA as political commentator in 2009.

Ginger Zee

Chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent for ABC News, joining GMA in 2013.

Michael Strahan

Started his career as a defensive end for the New York Giants, joining the show in 2016.

Lara Spencer

Correspondent for Nightline and ABC News, and television producer for her own DuffKat Media, joining GMA in 2011.

He was able to, however, look at the more positive aspect of his early parenting years, adding: "But then there are times I've looked back, and I think in order to have the life that I've been able to provide and give them, I had to sacrifice a lot of things."

© Getty Images
The GMA anchor is currently in a relationship with Kayla Quick

"A lot of people say there's a balance, but it's a really tough balance, and I don't know if there really is one in my instance."

MORE: Robin Roberts 'caught off guard' by co-star Michael Strahan's surprise move live on GMA

Tanita and Michael Jr. maintain their lives away from the spotlight, with the former based in Los Angeles and working as an artist and illustrator, showcasing her work on social media from time to time.

© Instagram
Michael is a father-of-four, sharing his kids with his two ex-wives

Sophia and Isabella are currently in their sophomore year of college, although Isabella took a break from college when she announced last year that she had been diagnosed with medulloblastoma. She has since undergone radiation and chemotherapy and is now officially back at University of Southern California. Her twin sister is a student at Duke University.

More Parenting

See more