Lara Spencer got vulnerable about the difficulties she’s been facing since her mom Carolyn Von Seelen passed away on February 13 at the age of 85.
The TV star has been going through the stages of grief, and it was her Good Morning America family that came to the rescue during her healing journey.
She shared a touching carousel on social media, and the main picture featured a sweet poolside picture of her co-host Sam Champion and herself embracing in Miami, while she held onto a stuffed monkey.
Other pictures in the set included the crew staying warm by a heating lamp, lounging around on the pool chairs, and even one of the stuffed monkey comically sunbathing solo.
The stuffed animal that Lara is using to cope, is the same one that an adorable zoo monkey named Punch in Japan has been holding onto to feel safe, and his wholesome cuddling with it has gone viral online.
Lara’s healing journey
Lara revealed in her caption: “Finally coming out of the fog of grief and so grateful to my GMA family-making me feel warm and loved-even in 42 degrees temps in Florida.”
© InstagramShe continued: “No one I would rather be stranded with than this guy [Sam]. We huddled around the heat lamp, collaborated on making the show as fun and energetic as possible, and even took a page from Punch the monkey’s book-giving our stuffie a squeeze when needed. The pictures tell the story. Thank you GMA family. I love you.”
Her friends and fans flocked to the comments to support her during the hard personal times.
© InstagramSam wrote: “The BEST time with you always.” Deborah Roberts posted four heart emojis.
One person commented: “Sending love and prayers to you and your family. Grieving is long and hard and whittles away at your soul. I know bc I’m going through it also. Surrounding yourself with people that love you and understand, is the best medicine. Miss seeing you on GMA but totally get it. May God Bless you always!”
A second person added: “So sorry for your loss, Lara. The connection you have with Sam is so fun to watch. Take care,” while a third fan continued: “Sending so much love to you Lara. Makes me so happy to see you feeling better. Nothing like family.”
© InstagramAbout their bond
Lara previously wrote a moving tribute to her mother online and transparently shared the intensity of her “overwhelming sadness” from missing her mother daily, who had concluded her treatment for a brain tumor in 2024.
She shared: “She was a woman who loved a saying and used them often to help us get through life’s challenges or painful moments. One of her favorite was ‘don’t be sad it’s over honey—be grateful it happened.'”
The journalist continued: “Sorry mama but there’s no way to not feel the pain of overwhelming sadness at the thought of not having you to share life with each day, but we sure are grateful YOU happened and showered with your love and warmth and humor.”
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