Dr. Jen Ashton, ABC’s Chief Medical Correspondent for 13 years, bid an emotional farewell on Good Morning America (GMA) today. The heartfelt send-off featured tributes from her colleagues, family, and even a special message from Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth.
Robin Roberts, in a tribute video, described Ashton as both “passionate and compassionate.” Michael Strahan, who had been absent from GMA all week, praised her for bringing “medical fun” to the show. GMA3 anchor DeMarco Morgan shared that “everywhere that I go, people ask about Dr. Jen,” while Eva Pilgrim humorously noted that Ashton is “really funny” and “really competitive.”
Dr. Darien Sutton, another ABC News Medical Correspondent, likened Ashton to “the Beyoncé of medicine.” Other tributes came from neurologist Dr. Leah Croll, Ashton’s two children, and Eric Strauss, the executive producer of ABC News Medical Unit. These tributes were interspersed with some of Ashton’s most memorable moments on the show, including her work during the COVID-19 pandemic and her personal journey following her ex-husband Rob’s suicide in 2017. Ashton was visibly moved, wiping away tears with a tissue.
Returning to the studio, George Stephanopoulos told Ashton they had “one more memory to create,” introducing a special message from Chris Hemsworth. The actor, who had previously appeared with Ashton in an exercise segment on the show, said, “Hi Jen. Chris here. Just want to say good luck, and congratulations on your next venture. Lots of love. I hope to see you soon.”
Following Hemsworth’s video, Ashton joked, “It’s really hard work a lot of times, but you know I had to step up to the plate and take that tough assignment with Chris Hemsworth…”
Ashton was also surprised by her children, brother, and parents, who joined her on set with a bouquet of flowers. She noted that they are a “medical family” and credited her parents for instilling in her a passion for health and healing. She concluded by thanking her co-workers and GMA viewers, citing the latter as “the reason that I do what I do and that I wake up in the morning,” while assuring them that she is “always on call for GMA and ABC News.”
Ashton had announced her departure in April via an Instagram statement, saying, “It has been an honor to be at ABC and help cover the biggest health issues in the country and world over the past 13 years.” According to USA Today, she is now focusing on her women’s health newsletter, Ajenda.
Dr. Jen Ashton’s departure marks the end of an era for Good Morning America. Her contributions over the years have been invaluable, and her presence will be sorely missed by both her colleagues and viewers. However, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and inform, as she embarks on her new venture.
Source: Entertainment Weekly, USA Today
