It was a moment that left viewers in awe—Joan Lunden, the iconic journalist who once graced our screens as a correspondent on the TODAY Show, made a surprise appearance alongside her eldest daughter, Jamie Krauss Hess, on Friday, March 22. This wasn’t just any visit; it was a heartfelt reunion that brought mother and daughter together in front of millions of viewers.
Joan Lunden's Announcement: A Sneak Peek into the TODAY Show
Before the big day, Joan, now 73, gave her followers a heads-up. In a post on her Instagram account the day before, she announced her return to the TODAY Show for the third hour. Her excitement was palpable as she urged fans to tune in and watch her and Jamie discuss the latter's inspiring new podcast, "The Gratitudeology Podcast." Joan emphasized how this project wasn’t just about sharing stories—it was about healing and finding gratitude in life’s toughest moments.
Behind the Scenes: Jamie’s Excitement
Jamie Krauss Hess couldn’t hide her excitement either. She shared snippets of their preparation on her Instagram Stories, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at what went into getting ready for such a high-profile appearance. She also took the opportunity to reminisce, posting throwback photos of herself and her mom on set over the years. It was clear that this wasn’t just another appearance—it was a celebration of their bond and a journey they were embarking on together.
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Some fans were taken aback by Joan’s presence, with one Twitter user commenting, “Feels weird seeing former Good Morning America anchor Joan Lunden on the competition (#TodayShow).” But Joan’s charm hasn’t faded. After joining TODAY as a special correspondent in 2014, she’s been living a quieter life, making this appearance all the more special.
A Heartfelt Segment: Joan Lunden as "Morning Television Royalty"
During the segment, TODAY host Craig Melvin affectionately referred to Joan as "morning television royalty," a title she truly deserves. Jamie opened up about her personal journey, sharing how she overcame a dark period in her life and found her way back to happiness. It was a powerful moment, one that resonated with viewers who have faced similar struggles.
Joan’s Reflection: The Evolution of Morning Television
Joan’s career has spanned decades, with her most notable role being the official co-host of Good Morning America from 1980 to 1997. In a candid interview with Yahoo! Life in December 2022, she reflected on the changes in the world of morning television. “That time of morning is very different than any other time of the day when it comes to television. It’s a very intimate time of day,” Joan shared. “People aren’t dressed. Kids are running around. And here we were in their house with them. So, the relationship that ensued was almost familial.”
Even after all these years, Joan still gets recognized for her work. “To this day, people will come up to me sometimes and, like, throw their arms around me … and sometimes they’ll say, ‘I love you in the morning!’ I haven’t been on that show for 20 years,” she added with a chuckle.
Joan’s Family Life: A Full and Fulfilling Journey
Joan’s personal life is just as vibrant as her professional one. She is a proud mother to Jamie, Lindsay, and Sarah with her ex-husband Michael A. Krauss, and Kate, Max, Kimberly, and Jack with her husband Jeff Konigsberg. Parenthood, Joan says, has been an energizing experience. “I’m a person who just has always taken on life at full speed. So I think that I was wise in my choice,” she told Closer in May 2015.
