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Veteran Journalist Joan Lunden Celebrates 50 Years on Good Morning America
4 Nov
Summary
- Joan Lunden, 75, joined GMA anchors for a special broadcast to mark her 50-year milestone
- Lunden anchored GMA for 20 years, from 1979 to 1997, alongside David Hartman and Charlie Gibson
- Lunden says she never imagined her GMA tenure would last that long, calling it "the best seat in which to view the world"
On November 3, 2025, veteran journalist Joan Lunden, now 75 years old, joined the current Good Morning America anchors - Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, and George Stephanopolous - as well as her former colleagues Diane Sawyer and Charlie Gibson, for a special broadcast to mark her 50-year milestone in the industry.
Lunden, who anchored GMA for 20 years from 1979 to 1997, expressed her surprise at the longevity of her tenure, saying, "I never dreamed, in 1979 when I was asked to be the host, that I would've been there for 20 years." She fondly recalled her time on the show, noting that she and Charlie Gibson always considered it "the best seat in which to view the world."
Reflecting on how GMA has managed to maintain its success over the decades, Lunden explained that the show had a unique "sensibility" when it first premiered in 1975, with a "home" setting and a "rising sun" logo, rather than the traditional desk and blue background. She also highlighted the show's emphasis on creating a "family" atmosphere, with reporters referred to as "family members."
Lunden's long-running career on GMA has cemented her place as one of the few individuals who have had the privilege of greeting "millions of Americans every morning" with the iconic "Good morning, America" greeting. She considers this an "elite club" that she is truly honored to have been a part of.
