Former Good Morning America 3 anchors TJ Holmes and Amy Robach have opened up about the core principle sustaining their relationship, three years after their affair first caused a public scandal. The pair, who were both married to other people when their romance began, are now engaged and have shared their perspective on building a lasting bond.
From Scandal to Solidarity: The Foundation of Friendship
The television presenters, aged 48 and 52 respectively, became the subject of intense media scrutiny in 2022. The Daily Mail exclusively published photographs revealing their relationship, which included intimate post-filming sessions at a New York City bar, visits to each other's apartments, and a weekend away in Upstate New York.
Despite the tumultuous beginning, which led to their dismissal from ABC and divorces from their former spouses, their partnership has endured. Speaking to People magazine at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025, they pinpointed the essential ingredient for their happiness.
"Friendship, the foundation of friendship, period, point blank," Holmes stated emphatically. Robach concurred without hesitation, adding, "Without a doubt." Holmes elaborated that loving and respecting a friend forms the bedrock of any successful romantic relationship.
Laughter, Engagement Rings, and Future Plans
Robach further emphasised the importance of shared humour in a partnership. "If you can laugh with someone, you can live a long time with someone. You can get through almost anything if you can laugh together," she advised.
The couple, who got engaged in October, announced their news on an episode of their joint podcast, 'Amy and T.J.', aptly titled 'Robach-Holmes'. Robach disclosed they had been engaged for about a month before sharing it with their audience, a cautious move informed by past experiences with media leaks.
Amusingly, Robach revealed she had been wearing her yellow sapphire and diamond engagement ring publicly for weeks, including at three major football stadiums, waiting for someone to notice. "We haven’t been keeping it a secret, but nobody asked!" Holmes remarked.
Looking Forward: Holidays and a New Chapter
As they prepare for their first festive season as an engaged couple, Holmes outlined their plans. They intend to spend the holidays in New York City with family before escaping on a "little tropical getaway."
Their professional and personal lives became intertwined after they both joined ABC and began co-hosting GMA3 in 2020, where their on-screen chemistry was noted. Following the revelation of their affair, they were fired from the network and subsequently filed for divorce from their partners—Robach from actor Andrew Shue and Holmes from attorney Marilee Fiebig.
From a scandal that dominated headlines to a publicly affirmed union, Holmes and Robach now champion friendship and laughter as the non-negotiable pillars for a healthy, long-lasting relationship.
