Dr. Jen Ashton received a very special send-off at this morning’s delivery of Good morning america.
Ashton, who has served as ABC’s chief medical correspondent for 13 years, received a number of tributes from members of the network, her family and even a movie star, according to Entertainment Weekly.
In a tribute video, Robin Roberts described Ashton as “passionate and compassionate”, while Michael Strahan, who has been missing since G.M.A. Throughout the week, he joked that Ashton “brings medical fun” to the morning news show.
“Everywhere I go, people ask me about Dr. Jen.” GMA3 shared host DeMarco Morgan, while Eva Pilgrim called her “really funny” and joked that she’s “really competitive.”
ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton compared Ashton to “the Beyoncé of medicine.”
Others who praised her with video tributes included neurologist Dr. Leah Croll, her two children and ABC News Medical Unit executive producer Eric Strauss, as well as other members of the network’s medical team. The tributes were sandwiched between some of Ashton’s most memorable and powerful moments on the show, including her work during the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with the suicide of her ex-husband, Rob, in 2017. After watching that, the Viewers saw Ashton tending to his tears. with a handkerchief.
George Stephanopoulos told Ashton that they “have one more memory to make” after the broadcast returned to the studio, as they pulled out a “very special message” from none other than Chris Hemsworth, who previously appeared with her in a workout segment on the show.
“Hi Jen. I’m Chris,” he said. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga the star began. “I just want to wish you good luck and congratulations on your upcoming venture. Lots of love. Hope to see you soon.”
We are celebrating and saying goodbye to our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Jen Ashton.
Thank you for everything you have done. We will miss you very much and you will always be a part of our @GMA family! image.twitter.com/X6qCio0nHK
– Good morning America (@GMA) June 27, 2024
After the Hemsworth video, Ashton joked: “It’s a lot of hard work sometimes, but you know I had to step up and take on that tough task with Chris Hemsworth…”
Ashton was also surprised by her children, her brother and her parents, who accompanied her on set with a bouquet of flowers. Noting that they are a “medical family,” she said her parents are “responsible for [her] passion for health and being a healer.” He concluded by thanking his co-workers and GMA viewers, citing the latter as “the reason I do what I do and wake up in the morning,” while assuring them that she is “always available for GMA and ABC News.”
Ashton announced the news of his departure in April, noting in a Instagram statement at the time that “it has been an honor to be at ABC and help cover the country’s and world’s most important health issues for the past 13 years,” according to USA TodayAccording to the outlet, she is publishing her women’s health newsletter called Ajenda.
