Robin Roberts acknowledged her sexuality publicly for the first time on Sunday via a Facebook message thanking friends, family members, fans and her longtime same-sex girlfriend, Amber Laign for their support during her rare blood disorder ordeal. This is the first mention of a partner the Good Morning America host has ever made.

Amber Laign is a massage therapist based in San Francisco. The two have been a couple for 10 years. Co-workers and friends have long been aware of Robin Roberts’ sexual orientation.

“At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude,” Roberts wrote in the message. “I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health. I am grateful for my sister, Sally-Ann, for being my donor and giving me the gift of life.

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

“I am grateful for the many prayers and well wishes for my recovery. I return every one of them to you 100 fold.

“On this last Sunday of 2013 I encourage you to reflect on what you are grateful for too. Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year. Peace, love, and blessings to all..XO”

ABC News issued a statement on Monday on behalf of Robin’s news.

“We love Robin and Amber, who we have all known for a long time,” ABC News said. “We were so touched by Robin’s Facebook message today and so thankful for all the loving support she has in her life.”

Ellen DeGeneres was just one of many celebrities to acknowledge Robin Roberts via Twitter on Monday.

Good morning, America! Congratulations, @RobinRoberts.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 30, 2013

Support for Robin Roberts coming out of that proverbial closet has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s uncertain why she chose now to reveal her long term relationship with Amber Laign. Victory over serious illness takes gratitude to a whole new level sometimes. Perhaps she felt it was time to share how loved she feels from everyone in her life, without leaving out her significant other.

Image via Facebook