'GMA Weekend' co-anchor posts 'goodbye' message amid sudden exit

Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAYTue, April 7, 2026 at 3:38 PM UTC

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A "Good Morning America Weekend" co-anchor opened up about her departure from the ABC early news program.

Janai Norman released a candid video about her abrupt exit on her social media accounts on Friday, April 3.

“I hoped that we’d have more time, and it’s been hard on me that our time was cut short," Norman, 36, shared. "I have loved my job. It has been a joy to connect with my coworkers and with viewers, to help keep you informed and entertained, and to create this community.”

Norman has been a co-anchor on the show since 2022, Deadline and Entertainment Weekly reported. She worked alongside Gio Benitez and Whit Johnson.

“So it really breaks my heart that I don’t get to say goodbye. I’m so sorry that I don’t get to say goodbye. It would’ve been fun," she continued. "But I have these three young kids, and I have worked weekends their whole lives, and so now they get more of me. And that is worth everything."

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'Stay tuned,' Norman says

Janai Norman attends the "Aftershock" New York Screening at Brooklyn Museum on July 14, 2022 in New York City.

Norman, an alumna of the University of Missouri-Columbia, initially joined the network in 2011 as an intern," per her bio. After some time in local news, she returned to ABC and worked on several programs at the network. She is credited with helping to spearhead the second hour of Saturday's "GMA" in 2019.

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"When I was an intern here...starting out on this journey, this is exactly where I wanted to be so it's unreal. It is such an honor," Norman said when she first joined "GMA Weekend" as co-anchor four years ago.

According to reports citing Status, Norman's contract expired and was not renewed. In her farewell video, she said, "Stay tuned."

"I’m sorry. I feel you, and thank you to every single one of you who has reached out with such kind, validating words," Norman continued. "I have needed it, and I appreciate it.”

Norman's colleagues responded to the news

Norman's ABC colleagues and other industry professionals sent her heartfelt messages in the comment section.

Whit Johnson, Janai Norman and Gio Benitez attend the 2024 Disney Upfront at Javits Center on May 14, 2024 in New York City.

"Hope you’re feeling the love from everyone responding. You are a true gem and thoroughly enjoyed working with you. I treasure our friendship," "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts stated.

Norma's co-anchors also chimed in. "Love you very much," Benitez wrote. "Truly grateful for the endless memories and moments. Cheering you on through your next adventure," Johnson added.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Janai Norman is leaving 'GMA Weekend,' announces departure, exit

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