Good Morning America fans were in for a surprise on Monday, February 17, when the usual faces were absent from the Times Square studio. 

The show kicked off President’s Day with a new hosting trio, as Gio Benitez, Rebecca Jarvis, 

and Eva Pilgrim filled in for the regular anchors, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, and Michael Strahan. 

The absence of these familiar anchors led viewers to wonder what was going on behind the scenes.

The reason for the trio’s absence on that particular day was simple: 

they were enjoying a long holiday weekend in celebration of President’s Day, a national holiday that gave the anchors the perfect opportunity to take a three-day break. 

With the holiday marking a rare moment of time off for many, it gave George, Robin, and Michael a well-deserved rest.

George Stephanopoulos’s Book and Audie Award Nomination

While George was away from the studio, there was some exciting news about his professional life that fans were buzzing about. Recently, George received a major recognition for his book, The Situation Room, which has been nominated for an Audie Award in the non-fiction category. The Audie Awards are a prestigious recognition of excellence in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment, and this nomination serves as a testament to the impact George’s book has made in the literary world.

George’s excitement about the recognition was palpable when the news was shared on a Good Morning America episode. The Situation Room, which was released in 2024, quickly became a New York Times bestseller and continues to captivate readers. The book delves into the White House Situation Room, a critical hub of decision-making and crisis management that has played a pivotal role in shaping American history for decades.

Describing the Situation Room as a “shrouded in secrecy and mystery,” George offers a rare and in-depth look at the decisions made within its walls, which have impacted the lives of people across the globe. The book takes readers through major historical turning points, revealing close calls and disasters narrowly averted. Fans of political history and George’s insightful commentary will certainly appreciate this compelling read. The Audie Award nomination only adds to the recognition his work has earned in the world of nonfiction literature.

A Glimpse Into George’s Personal Life

When George isn’t co-hosting Good Morning America or writing books, he enjoys spending time with his family. He is married to actress and author Ali Wentworth, and together, they share two grown daughters, Elliott, 21, and Harper, 19. Although their daughters are now grown and have begun their own adult lives, George and Ali continue to enjoy the close-knit family dynamic they’ve always had.

The couple’s transition to life as empty nesters was an emotional one. In August 2023, Ali shared a heartfelt tribute on social media after dropping their youngest daughter, Harper, off at college. Her words, filled with love and nostalgia, resonated with many parents who have gone through the same experience. Ali wrote about how difficult it was to leave Harper behind at school and how much she missed the small moments that made their family life special, such as making pasta together and spending time with her daughters.

Despite the tough adjustment, Ali acknowledged that Harper was ready for the next chapter, and the couple has since embraced their new life as empty nesters. While they miss their daughters, they are learning to savor the quality time they get to spend together and with their girls when they visit home.

Looking Ahead for George and Good Morning America

George Stephanopoulos continues to thrive both professionally and personally, and his absence from Good Morning America on February 17 only serves as a brief pause in an otherwise bustling schedule. With his book’s success, his growing family life, and his ongoing contributions to GMA, George remains a prominent figure in the public eye. Fans are eager to see what’s next for the popular co-anchor, whether it’s another book, more exciting career milestones, or simply enjoying more time with his family.

As for Good Morning America, the show’s loyal viewers will be happy to know that George, Robin, and Michael will all return soon, bringing their signature energy back to the morning show. In the meantime, the temporary changes in the lineup serve as a reminder of how much fans cherish their favorite anchors and the wonderful balance they bring to the show.

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