Janai Norman Announces Exciting Career News After ‘GMA Weekend’ Exit
What To Know
- Janai Norman announced an exciting career update after leaving GMA Weekend.
- She spoke about getting diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
- Norman also reflected on her sudden exit from GMA Weekend.
Janai Norman just announced exciting career news after her sudden exit from Good Morning America Weekend after 15 years with ABC.
On May 8, Norman, 36, revealed both an upcoming memoir and mental health struggles during an interview with People. The book, Breaking, will be released on January 5.
Norman’s memoir follows her journey as a journalist, including being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2022, after her grandmother died, and then she volunteered to cover a hurricane. Norman said she suffered from suicidal ideations and checked into a psychiatric unit, where she received her BDP diagnosis.
“I was not equipped at all to handle what all that I’d been given,” she confessed. “I was basically breaking under the weight of it all.”
Facing her unresolved trauma, Norman explained, “really shifted my relationship with so many aspects of my life, but especially with work.” She added, “It really helped me separate my worth from my work. What I did for a paycheck was no longer tied to my sense of purpose. That was really the work of choosing myself and breaking news barriers and stigmas along the way.”
Additionally, Norman reflected on her GMA Weekend exit.
“I loved my time at ABC. It was such a gift. I had so much fun, so many incredible experiences, and it was such a dream come true for me,” she told People. “Because of the way my experience unfolded, viewers were there with me every step of the way.”
The former GMA Weekend host continued, “I wish I’d had a sendoff that honored the connections that I had with so many of my coworkers, and most importantly, the viewers. But this book gets to take you behind the scenes of some of those years… I’m really looking forward to being able to share another perspective of that same story.”
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On April 3, Norman confirmed her GMA Weekend exit in a video message shared on Instagram.
“I hoped that we’d have more time, and it’s been hard on me that our time was cut short,” she told her followers. “I have loved my job. It has been a joy to connect with my coworkers and with viewers, to help keep you informed and entertained, and to create this community. So it really breaks my heart that I don’t get to say goodbye. I’m so sorry that I don’t get to say goodbye — it would have been fun.”
Still, she looked on the bright side, pointing out, “I have these three young kids, and I have worked weekends their whole lives, and so now, they get more of me, and that is worth everything. So stay tuned, I’m sorry, I feel you, and thank you to every single one of you who has reached out with such kind and validating words. I have needed it, and I appreciate it.”
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Good Morning America Weekend, Weekends, 7 a.m., ABC
Conversation19 Comments
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D
She was one of the reasons I watched GMA weekend. Can’t believe they didn’t renew her contract! Bad decision on their part!!!
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S
She was a true joy. Loved watching her. ABC you disappoint me. This country needs joy and positivity. She was mine. I will watch her wherever she lands.
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B
I looked forward to watching GMA WEEKEND because of Janai Norman. She was such a natural and a joy to watch. I absolutely love her infectious laughter. For now, I have chosen not to watch the weekend show. It is definitely NOT the same show without Janai!! God bless you in all your future endeavors.
23
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M
You are missed. Their was a normalcy with the show but now it's just not the same. I wish you all the best in your personal and professional life and career.
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G
Wishing her the best. She deserves it!
18
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W
Janai you were part of myself and my wife’s morning weekend show for many years we contacted ABC to avow our displeasure and hope we see you again Good Luck stay strong you are a true legend 😻
14
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D
I can’t believe Janai will no longer be with GMA on the weekends . I loved her. The show will never be the same without her. A big mistake made by GMA. How could you?
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C
Janai, I'm sorry that you did not have a proper send off on air. It was like being kicked out. I understand this as I was kicked out of my job after 33 years with the company...no retirement party...no nothing...but life does go on.
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R
U was a light of excitement every morning! Just in your voice, wearing your Heart ❤️ on your sleeve! Have Faith 💪 keep up the good work cause your Babies need you more than ever, also your Health.
That was the rudist thing I have ever seen at the end!
Suicidal remarks!
Hope that gets HELP b/c at the end they always have to go after the one that is getting a lot of Attention.🤔
7
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C
So sorry that she’s not there on the weekend.I will not be watching as much as I usually do.Hopefully she’ll find something better.Shame on ABC.
5
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C
Stopped watching. Good luck Janai. I'll look to follow you to your next move. Hope it's a better one.
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H
Jenae was not a serious journalist. She belongs on Entertainment Tonight. I could not see her interviewing a politician for example. She giggled for most of her air time which made her come of unprofessional. I for one think ABC made the right decision.
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A
I use to love get up weekend to watch the show but now not excited with out Janai Norman
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T
What is the exciting career news per title of the article?
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T
Right? I re-read the article because I thought I missed it.
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M
Janai, wishing you the best. Also loved watching you on On Baby
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M
Miss her had to Google her yo find out where she went. I only watch GMA on weekends because of people.hope she is getting the help she needs. I lost a son to suicide 6 years ago. Hope to see her smiling face sometime in ygr future..
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R
Janai I was the whole reason to watch GMA. I loved watching her with Whit and Gio, but Saturday’s will not be the same without her bubbly personality. This was a huge mistake on ABC’s part. Maybe whoever decided to let her go should be let go. I will watch whatever network Janai shows up on.
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F
She was a joy to watch on tv she will be missed but I am sure she will be off to another great adventure soon
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