TEARS ON SET: Amy Robach Cries as Lara Spencer Shares Emotional Milestone with Son Duff—A Moment GMA Fans Won’t Forget

 It was an emotional day on the Good Morning America set as longtime co-anchor Amy Robach was moved to tears while witnessing her close friend and colleague Lara Spencer mark one of the most profound milestones of her life: her eldest son’s high school graduation.

The moment began with a simple yet touching post by Lara Spencer on her Instagram page. In the photo, she stood beside her 18-year-old son, Duff, dressed in his prom tuxedo, with a caption that left many fans and fellow parents wiping their eyes.

“Already tearing up and graduation is still a few hours away,” Lara wrote. “I know many of you have been here, and there is such comfort in that.”

She continued with a sentiment passed down from her own mother:

“She reminded me of a great saying that goes something like, ‘Don’t be sad that it’s ending. Be happy that it happened.’ I can’t remember the exact wording so please share it if you know it. And I’d love to hear any other comforting words as I celebrate this milestone with my firstborn today.”

Amy Robach’s Emotional Response: “I’m in the Same Boat”

Among the flood of responses from celebrities and fans alike, it was Amy Robach’s comment that struck a deep emotional chord.

“Congratulations – I’m in the same boat girl – bittersweet and beautiful,” Amy wrote.

But what viewers didn’t see until later was Amy breaking down backstage at GMA, visibly moved by Lara’s post. Sources close to the show say that Amy, who also has a daughter graduating this year, was overcome with emotion, relating deeply to the feeling of watching a child grow up and prepare to leave home.

“She tried to hold it together, but you could tell it hit her hard,” a crew member told NewsThien8. “Amy is incredibly composed, but this moment was different. She and Lara have shared so much on and off-camera—it felt very real.”

Two Moms, Two Graduations, One Beautiful Moment

Lara Spencer and Amy Robach have more than just the GMA studio in common—they’re both mothers to teenagers who are growing up before their eyes. Lara shares two children, Duff and Katharine, with her ex-husband David Haffenreffer. Amy has two daughters, Ava and Analise, with her former spouse Tim McIntosh.

In April, Amy proudly announced that her daughter Ava had been accepted into her dream school: NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Posting a touching collage of Ava’s childhood photos alongside her acceptance letter, Amy wrote:

“My little girl just had her dreams (and mine) come true with an acceptance to @nyutisch today!!!”

It was a moment of celebration and deep reflection for Amy—just like Lara’s moment with Duff this week. These two women, so often in the public eye, continue to show the world what it means to be strong, successful, and devoted mothers, even when emotions get the better of them.

Lara’s Journey: A Mother, A Broadcaster, A Role Model

While Lara is known for her bright energy and poise on-screen, she’s never shied away from showing her human side. After her divorce from Haffenreffer, she remarried in 2018 to tech entrepreneur Richard McVey in a beautiful ceremony in Vail, Colorado. In one unforgettable moment from that day, Duff walked his mother down the aisle, a touching gesture that demonstrated their unbreakable bond.

Fans have watched Duff grow up over the years through Lara’s occasional social media posts, and seeing him graduate has been a poignant full-circle moment not only for her but for the many viewers who feel like extended members of the GMA family.

A Shared Experience for Parents Everywhere

The online response to Lara’s graduation post was immediate and heartfelt. Hundreds of parents shared their own stories of sending children off to college, the pain of saying goodbye, and the pride of watching them step into the future. One user wrote:

“As a mom who just hugged her baby goodbye at the dorms, this hit me right in the heart. Thanks for being so open, Lara.”

Another added:

“Seeing Amy and Lara go through this makes me feel less alone. We’re all in this together.”

A Beautiful Reminder: “Don’t Be Sad That It’s Ending…”

In many ways, this moment—raw, unfiltered, and deeply human—is why audiences love Lara Spencer and Amy Robach. They’re not just delivering news; they’re living real lives, with real emotions, just like the millions who tune in every morning.

As Lara prepares to send Duff into the next chapter of his life, and Amy cheers Ava on as she enters NYU, one thing is clear: These women are proud moms first, anchors second. And they’ve reminded all of us that even in the midst of joy, letting go can be the hardest part.

But as Lara’s mom so wisely said, and as countless others echoed: “Don’t be sad that it’s ending. Be happy that it happened.”