Robin Roberts made her return to ABC's "Good Morning America" on Wednesday, five months to the day after receiving a bone-marrow transplant and a year since she started feeling symptoms of the ailment that has sidelined her since August. She wore a wide smile in taking her seat next to co-host George Stephanopoulos.
"I have been waiting 174 days to say this," Roberts said. "Good morning, America."
The bulk of the show turned into a celebration of her return as she recovers from MDS, a blood and bone marrow disease. President Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and basketball star Magic Johnson all sent taped greetings.
At the studio, ABC boss Anne Sweeney, news division President Ben Sherwood and Katie Couric all stood in the wings watching. When Roberts thanked her nurses on the air, all of the show producers in the control room a floor away stood and applauded. Sherwood delivered a champagne toast on the set after the show went off the air at 9 a.m. Bottles of hand sanitizers were kept nearby for people who come into regular contact with Roberts, who must try to avoid contact with others as her immune system rebuilds. The plan is for Roberts to work two or three days a week initially, said Tom Cibrowski, the show's senior executive producer.
Roberts said her doctors are watching her closely, and they told her to cool it two weeks ago during an appearance in New Orleans.
Mars will land at Xcel Center in July
Bruno Mars' career has exploded like a "Grenade," but has it blown up big enough for him to headline arenas already? Twin Cities fans will find out July 14 when the retro-styled, multifaceted Hawaiian soul-pop hitmaker makes his debut at Xcel Energy Center with "Lights" singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding for an opening act. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. March 8 through Ticketmaster and the Xcel Center box office for $84, $74, $54 and $40.
CHRIS Riemenschneider
Will he be speaking on The record? Late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien will be spending a late night with President Obama. The White House Correspondents' Association has chosen O'Brien as the featured act for its annual dinner on April 27. Association president Ed Henry called O'Brien "one of television's most innovative and influential talents." The association dinner is traditionally attended by the president and first lady, government officials and journalists. Proceeds finance scholarships and awards that recognize journalism excellence. O'Brien appears prepared. On Monday he tweeted: "In honor of President's Day, I won't be getting along with Congress." NEWS SERVICES
