'GMA' host Lara Spencer enjoys dinner with daughter Katherine before dropping her off at college

Lara Spencer's son, Duff Haffenreffer, and her ex-husband, David Haffenreffer, joined the dinner along with Katharine's new roommate and her parents
PUBLISHED AUG 23, 2023
Lara Spencer's (R) daughter Katherine Paige Haffenreffer (L) just began her freshman year at Vanderbilt University (@laraspencer/Instagram)
Lara Spencer's (R) daughter Katherine Paige Haffenreffer (L) just began her freshman year at Vanderbilt University (@laraspencer/Instagram)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Good Morning America’ host Lara Spencer enjoyed a sumptuous dinner with her daughter Katherine Paige Haffenreffer and her roommate's family before dropping her off to college as the freshman year begins. 

The 54-year-old journalist, who is now an empty nester, recently took to Instagram to share updates from her trip to drop Katherine off at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee for a new school year. 

Amid the massive change, the 'GMA' host also reunited with her former husband, David Haffenreffer, on the trip with whom she shares her two kids. 


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lara Spencer (@lara.spencer)

Lara Spencer relates to her 'GMA' co-hosts as their children go off to college 

The ‘GMA’ host has been keeping watch on some of her co-hosts who are also dropping off their children at college.

Recently, Lara commented on her co-host George Stephanopoulos' wife Ali Wentworth’s post about their daughter Harper going to college.

"I hear you sister. I am at the airport with a giant lump in my throat. I don't want to leave. It's going to feel too real," wrote Lara, trying to console Ali about the situation. 

She added, "The house will be too quiet. The music won't be blaring. Her room will be neat. My clothes will not be missing. I don't like it one bit." 


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ali Wentworth (@therealaliwentworth)


 

Dropping off her daughter was quite emotional for Katherine. She shared an Instagram Story with a picture of her going off to college, with the caption, "The welcoming committee...... and she's off."

'GMA' Lara Spencer shared a glimpse of the 'welcoming committe' for freshman students at Vanderbilt University (@laraspencer/Instagram)
Lara Spencer shared a glimpse of her daughter Katherine going off to college (@laraspencer/Instagram)

Lara Spencer dines with daughter Katherine and her roommate's family

After making the trip to Vanderbilt University, the ‘GMA’ host decided to make the most of her time with her daughter Katherine by enjoying dinner. Lara's son, Duff Haffenreffer, and her ex-husband David joined the dinner along with Katharine's new roommate and her parents.

"The night before college move-in. Carb loading with my nugget and her awesome new roomie and family. Thank you Egidio and @ilfornonashville for the great meal and memories," read the caption of her Instagram post. 

 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lara Spencer (@lara.spencer

Lara Spencer enjoys a weekend getaway with Katherine

The 'GMA' host Lara Spencer recently posted a snap of her and her daughter Katherine from a weekend getaway. She captioned the photo, "Hard to believe this was our last weekend before we take this one to college #mybaby."

In the photo, the mother-daughter duo can be seen standing close to each other, smiling for the camera. 

During the getaway, Katharine sported a white sundress with blue flowers, while her mother opted for a checkered top, white bottoms, and a sunhat. 


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lara Spencer (@lara.spencer)


 

RELATED TOPICS GOOD MORNING AMERICA (GMA)

MORE STORIES

John Oliver was bleeped out twice during his brief, 15-second Emmys acceptance speech on live television after he roasted host Nate Bargatze
Sep 15, 2025
Kevin Hart doesn't appreciate paparazzi’s question after viral video of him hosting Diddy’s party resurfaces
Apr 6, 2025
Diddy’s childhood friend Tim Patterson claims Janice Combs’s wild parties often involved pimps, homosexuals, and other adult activities
Apr 6, 2025
Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson tied the knot in 1994, but she initially thought the King of Pop was a creep—and we totally get why
Apr 6, 2025
Riley Keough opens up about the Presley family curse in a candid interview while on tour for her book, 'From Here to the Great Unknown'
Apr 5, 2025
Natalie Morales hits back after her interview with Seth Meyers is removed from all platforms due to a revealing outfit
Apr 5, 2025
"Babyface, can you believe she wants me to dress like a girl?" Michael Jackson told a producer.
Apr 2, 2025
Sofia Vergara also dished out on why she doesn't ever want to play Modern Family's Gloria again
Apr 2, 2025
"It took more and more to get high, and I honestly don't know when your body decides it can't deal with it anymore," Lisa Marie Presley wrote.
Apr 1, 2025
A family member's last-minute intervention saved Michael Jackson from the 9/11 tragedy—here’s what happened
Apr 1, 2025