ABC Host Robin Roberts Comes Out

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts came out publicly today in a message posted to her Facebook page, where she thanked her girlfriend, Amber Laign.

Roberts has been out to her family, friends and co-workers for years, but this is the first time she’s publicly acknowledged her sexuality. "I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together." Roberts and Laign have been together for 10 years. Laign, a massage therapist who works with patients recovering from injuries, is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. A year ago today, Roberts reached the 100 day mark following her bone marrow transplant. Her posting today is a message of thanks for all who helped her along the way.

Roberts has been one of the nation's most public faces of breast cancer since her diagnosis in 2007. Last year she took a leave from GMA after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, which can be caused by chemotherapy. The National Marrow Donor Program reported an 1800% increase in donors on the day that Roberts revealed her latest illness to viewers. She returned to GMA in February of this year.

UPDATE: ABC News has released a brief statement. "We love Robin and Amber, who we have all known for a long time. We were so touched by her Facebook message today and so thankful for all the loving support she has in her life."