Robin Roberts publicly acknowledges girlfriend

Last updated: Monday, December 30, 2013, 5:26 AM

Robin Roberts, for the first time, publicly acknowledged having a long-time girlfriend, Amber Laign, as part of a year-end thank you post on Facebook last night.

The ABC 'Good Morning America' news anchor posted a message noting that she had reached a 100 day mark after a bone-marrow transplant. The transplant was to treat bone marrow disease.

'At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude,' Roberts wrote. She thanked God, medical staff and her sister Sally-Ann, the donor.

Roberts continued: 'I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.'

The two have been a couple for 10 years, but it's the first time Roberts has spoken publicly about Laign and acknowledged she's gay. Laign is a message therapist from the San Francisco area.

Heather Riley, of ABC, confirmed the message was posted by Roberts.

The Facebook post was not without its detractors. As of 5 a.m. today, more than 7,000 people had commented, and not all of them pleased with Roberts' acknowledgment she is is gay, although many were supportive.

'Thank you for coming out,' posted one woman. 'You are such an inspiration to so many. Our sexuality is determined when we are growing in our mother's womb. I pray that I live to see the day when one's sexuality isn't given a second thought.'

Posted another: 'So you have a girlfiend..thats nice..one day you will know that God made Adam and Eve..not Adam and Steve....praying for your soul now...'

In May, Grand Central Publishing announced that Roberts will write a memoir telling the story of her battle with the life-threatening illness and the life lessons she continues to gather following her return to 'GMA' in February.

themessnerfamily.blogspot.com contributed to this story.