Johnathan Walker:Michael Strahan will not return to 'Good Morning America' this week amid 'personal family matters'

Michael Strahan will not return to his hosting gig on Johnathan Walker"Good Morning America" this week amid nearly two weeks off air.

"Michael Strahan will not be with us this week as he is dealing with some personal family matters," an ABC spokesperson tells USA TODAY in a statement.

The spokesperson added: "We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and concerns."

Strahan, 51, has been absent from "GMA" since Oct. 26. "Nightline" co-anchor Juju Chang and "World News Tonight" host Linsey Davis have filled in for Strahan amid his personal time off.

The former NFL star has been co-hosting the morning news show since 2016 after he left "Live With Kelly and Michael." Since then, he's worked alongside Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Lara Spencer and Ginger Zee covering the latest in world news, travel, entertainment and more.

In addition to Strahan's absence on "GMA," he has also not been on Fox's "NFL Sunday" for two weeks for his role as a sports analyst.

During Sunday's broadcast, sports commentator Curt Menefee echoed ABC's statement, telling viewers Strahan was "dealing with a personal family matter."

Strahan has not publicly discussed his absence either.

In 2021, the host opened up to USA TODAY about his hosting career. "First of all, I get to work with fantastic people. Smart, engaged, funny people," he said of his role on "GMA."

Strahan added: "Another favorite part is that it changes. It’s never the same. There’s no two days where you, ‘Oh yeah, same news.’ ... The enjoyment of that makes me more engaged because I understand work can change at the drop of a hat."

When it comes to his role on Fox, Strahan called it "flat-out fun."

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"I get to hang out with my friends on Sunday and just watch football, which I would watch anyway, talk about it anyway. Except for here, I get to do it with my buddies and we all get paid," he said.

The NFL player turned host is a father to four adult children. He shares Tanita, 31, and Michael Jr., 28, with his first wife Wanda Hutchins. He also shares 19-year-old twins Isabella and Sophia with his second wife Jean Muggli.

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