joan lunden

Joan Lunden has transitioned from a prominent broadcast journalist to an author and dedicated health advocate, sharing insights on wellness, family, and resilience with a global audience. After becoming co-host of ‘Good Morning America’ (GMA) in 1980, Joan Lunden went on to become the program’s longest-running female host in early-morning television, holding the position for 17 consecutive years until 1997. During her extensive tenure, Lunden reported from 26 countries, covering four presidents, five Olympic Games, and two royal weddings. Her investigative journalism included rappelling Alaska’s Mendenhall Glacier, bungee-jumping, and paragliding off a 2,000-foot mountain in New Zealand.

She also became a prolific author, releasing over ten best-selling books on parenting, health, and resilience, including Wake-Up Calls and Joan Lunden’s Healthy Living. In 2014, Lunden returned to morning television as a special correspondent for NBC’s Today show, further cementing her enduring presence in broadcast news. Following her personal experience with breast cancer in 2014, she became a dedicated public speaker and advocate for breast cancer awareness, sharing insights on health and resilience with national audiences. Her advocacy extends to hosting the public television program Second Opinion since 2021, a platform dedicated to informed health discussions and public wellness.

Throughout her distinguished career, Lunden has received widespread recognition for her contributions to journalism and public advocacy. She was honored with the WWE Warrior Award in 2016 and the National Association of Broadcasters Distinguished Service Award in 2017. Lunden has also been presented with the Spirit of Achievement Award from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, underscoring her impact beyond broadcasting into health education. Her influential work continues to make her a highly sought-after voice across media and speaking platforms.