Dr. Jennifer Ashton is leaving ABC News after an impressive 13-year tenure.
During the morning broadcast of “Good Morning America,” Ashton’s colleagues expressed their appreciation for the network’s top medical correspondent and co-host of “GMA3: What You Need To Know” with a heartfelt send-off on Thursday morning.
Reflecting on her time, Ashton shared, “Some of the most significant health events in our country’s history were covered, and it was a tremendous honor to lead the country’s No. 1 network in medical reporting.”
She also received touching messages from actor and fitness enthusiast Chris Hemsworth and her family.
‘GMA3’ co-host Dr. Jennifer Ashtonleaves ABC News after 13 years to launch wellness company
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Thinking back on her family background, Ashton shared, “My mother was a nurse, my father was a cardiologist which fueled my interest in heart health. My brother is a reconstructive plastic surgeon,” she said, humorously adding, “and my kids are… well, my kids.”
In a profound chapter of her life, Ashton experienced the tragic loss of her ex-husband and father of her children, Dr. Robert “Rob” C. Ashton, who took his own life 18 days after their divorce. She openly shared her family’s journey through grief on “GMA” and also in her book “Life After Suicide: Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss,” published in 2019.
In an Instagram post following her husband’s passing, Ashton and her children shared a message of hope, “We know many families grapple with depression every day, yet some, like us, receive no forewarning. By sharing Rob’s story, we aim to prevent others from suffering as we do. Remember, you are never alone,” she expressed.
Dr. Jen Ashton departs from ‘Good Morning America’ and ABC News to focus on women’s wellness company
Ashton’s departure stems from her decision to shift her focus to Ajenda, a women’s wellness enterprise that delves into topics like menopause, weight management, and nutrition through health-oriented TV shows, live virtual clinics, and tailored meal plans for women seeking to manage their weight.
Often recognized as “Dr. Jen,” Ashton is a beloved figure on “Good Morning America” and contributes health and medical expertise across ABC News’ various platforms as the chief health and medical correspondent.
The departure of the “GMA3” co-host was announced earlier in April.
Expressing gratitude for her ABC tenure, Ashton stated, “It has been a privilege to work at ABC and cover pivotal health issues nationally and globally over the past 13 years. My colleagues have not just been friends but family, supporting me through significant career milestones. I consider myself fortunate to have collaborated with the finest professionals in the field.”
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She became well-known for her appearances on “The Dr. Oz Show” and as a co-host on the show “The Doctors” for three years, a spinoff of “Dr. Phil” featuring Dr. Phil McGraw’s son Jay McGraw.
Prior to joining ABC News, she worked as the senior medical correspondent for CBS News and made appearances on “The Early Show” and “CBS Evening News.” Ashton continued to co-host “GMA3,” alongside Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan recently, after T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach were removed from ABC due to alleged affair accusations.
