Gio Benitez bids farewell to pregnant co-host Janai Norman on 'GMA' as she embarks on her maternity leave
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Good Morning America’ weekend anchor Gio Benitez has recently given a hearty farewell to his pregnant co-star Janai Norman as she is about to embark on her maternity leave.
The 38-year-old posted a behind-the-scenes clip from the ‘GMA’ set where Norman alongside other co-star Whit Johnson can be seen discussing Norman’s pregnancy and wishing her all the luck.
Benitez took out his phone, shot a brief video during the break, and subsequently shared it on his X (formerly Twitter) profile.
Gio Benitez gives adorable farewell to pregnant co-star Janai Norman
The weekend anchor took the time to remind his followers that his co-star, Norman will soon be gone from ‘GMA’ owing to her maternity leave.
In the clip shared on X, Benitez said, “Alright y'all, doing a little video because this is it!”
Ugh! Not the side angle," Janai called out as she cradled her baby bump. "We need the side angle because there's a human in there," Gio joked.
He then added: "This is the final show, she's heading out on maternity leave. This is the last show before Janai becomes mommy to baby number three!”
Whit Johnson was spotted in the background talking to Norman and wishing her the best on her maternity leave.
Later, Benitez also took to Instagram to share a few snaps from the baby shower segment from GMA.
The segment featured a large cake and a selection of treats for the expectant mother. A banner that read "Janai's Baby Shower" was displayed in the background.
.@Janai’s last @GMA before maternity leave! Join us! @WhitJohnson pic.twitter.com/n4oXKMUcgS
— Gio Benitez (@GioBenitez) November 5, 2023
Benitez clicked snaps with Norman, Johnson, and the segment hosts. He later captioned his post, “Celebrating our beautiful @janai.norman as she heads out on maternity leave for baby #3! Can’t wait to meet the newest member of the @goodmorningamerica family.”
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Gio Benitez surprised with an on-air video message from A-list celebrities for birthday
'GMA' marked Benitez's birthday on October 29 by having the morning show's cast surprise the weekend anchor with a live on-air video message from musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
He posted a clip from the moment when his co-hosts carried out their surprise birthday celebration for him.
"What a special morning at @goodmorningamerica with my GMA fam surprising me with @tommydidario, @gloriaestefan, and @emilioestefanjr! This little Cubanito from Miami is blown away. Gracias!!" Benitez captioned his Instagram video.
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"Hi Gio, and Happy birthday!" Gloria said in the clip. "The 305 misses you and sends you lots of love and in the meantime, my mom would always say…"
She and Emilio started singing a Spanish "Happy Birthday" song.
Benitez couldn't contain his surprise and exclaimed, "Oh my God!" after all the unexpected gestures.
