GMA hosts CHOKE BACK TEARS saying GOODBYE to a colleague leaving for the most Heartbreaking Reason!

Good Morning America and GMA3 personality Dr. Jennifer Ashton will have her final appointment with ABC later this year, as the Chief Health and Medical Correspondent has announced her exit from the network after 13 years.

“[Dr. Ashton] announced that after 13 years with the network, she will be departing at the end of her contract in June,” reads a press release revealing Ashton’s departure from her post at ABC News. “As a next step, Dr. Ashton will be pursuing her professional passion with Ajenda, a free newsletter she launched last month.”

In a statement, Ashton reiterated her focus on raising awareness for health-related issues with her platform.

“I’ve been hearing from women across the country about the focus on weight loss and menopause dominating our society’s health conversation and I wanted to have an impact in a laser-focused way,” Dr. Ashton said. “Women’s health and wellness is at a pivotal point in this country. Ajenda meets the moment, elevates the conversation and, with my strengths as a doctor and communicator, supports women.”

Debra O’Connell, President of News Group and Networks for Disney Entertainment, also praised Ashton’s contributions to the network’s medical coverage and left the door open for a potential return in the future.

“As one of the preeminent medical journalists of our time — or as we call her here at ABC — ‘America’s favorite doctor,’ Dr. Ashton has immeasurably contributed to ABC News as America’s No. 1 news network,” O’Connell’s statement reads. “She will always have a home at ABC, and we wish her only the best as she continues her unwavering advocacy of women’s health.”

Ashton is a recognizable face across many ABC platforms, including GMA, GMA3 — which she joined as a permanent cohost in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic — and as a guest on The View.

The 54-year-old is double-board-certified in OB-GYN and obesity medicine, and also holds a degree in nutrition — all topics she frequently discussed on ABC. Prior to her 13-year tenure at the network, she also worked as a medical correspondent for CBS, appeared on the syndicated talk show The Doctors, and contributed to The Dr. Oz Show.