Joan Lunden is reflecting on her long career in television as she promotes a new memoir and continues public appearances decades after leaving “Good Morning America.”
The veteran journalist served as a co-host of the ABC morning program for 17 years, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in broadcast news during the 1980s and 1990s. Now 75, Lunden is preparing to release a new memoir titled “JOAN: Life Beyond the Script,” which hit bookstores on March 3.
The former morning show host also appears on the cover of Woman’s World magazine, looking stunning, wearing jeans and a pink cropped jacket, as she discusses her career and personal journey.
Joan Lunden Reflects on Leaving ‘Good Morning America’
Lunden joined “Good Morning America” in 1980 and remained with the show until 1997. At the time of her departure, she publicly stated that she was stepping away from the demanding early morning schedule.
In later interviews, however, Lunden said the situation was more complicated and reflected broader conversations about age in television.
“I mean, I was 47 years old. That’s not old. They don’t push men out because they’re 47,” Lunden told Yahoo Life in 2022.
Despite the circumstances surrounding her exit, Lunden said she focuses on moving forward rather than dwelling on the past.
“I don’t look back. I’m not the kind of person that looks back,” she said.
Lunden later continued her work in journalism, writing books and appearing on various television programs.
The Former GMA Host Shares Breast Cancer Journey and Advocacy
In June 2014, Lunden revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram.
Doctors discovered two tumors in her right breast, including a triple-negative tumor and a DCIS tumor.
“Doctors found two tumors in my right breast: a triple-negative tumor and a DCIS tumor. From the moment you hear the words ‘You have breast cancer,’ everything that was once normal feels as if it is immediately washed away,” Lunden told Today.com in 2017.
Following treatment, Lunden recovered and has since focused on raising awareness about early cancer detection.
Alongside her advocacy work, Lunden continues to write books and spend time with her family. She is the mother of seven children, including two sets of twins.
In an interview with Star, via Yahoo, last year, Lunden said her experience with cancer changed her outlook on life.
“My cancer battle opened my eyes to just how much my family and friends loved and supported me. I’ve embarked on a visual reconstruction of my life using family albums, keepsakes and memorabilia from my career,” Lunden said.
“Revisiting memories and milestones gives us a chance to reflect on our lives, to be grateful for what has come before and help us plan for what’s next.”
Lunden also shared the phrase she now uses as a personal mantra.
“Want to know my new mantra? ‘Make today and tomorrow so awesome that you make yesterday jealous!’”
Joan Lunden Continues Public Appearances and Writing
Lunden remains active in media and public events.
In June 2025, she attended the premiere of “Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything” during the Tribeca Festival at the SVA Theatre in New York City. The documentary highlights the career of journalist Barbara Walters.
Lunden appeared on the red carpet in a black cardigan, greeting attendees and celebrating the film honoring another pioneering woman in broadcast journalism.
The longtime journalist has also written several books during her career. One of her previous titles, “Why Did I Come Into This Room? A Candid Conversation About Aging,” explored the physical and emotional changes that come with growing older.
The book addresses topics such as sleep changes, shifting energy levels, and other aspects of aging. Lunden has said she approached the subject with honesty and humor.
“From the annoying to the really worrisome effects of aging, you just have to write it with a sense of humor,” Lunden said. “We have to start these discussions so we don’t feel so embarrassed and so alone and so undesirable.”
