Joan Lunden Biography And Wiki
Joan Lunden, an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, television host, and motivational speaker, has been a trusted voice in American homes for over 40 years. Her remarkable career includes nearly two decades as the co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America, making her the longest-running female host ever on early morning television. During her tenure, she reported from 26 countries, covering historic events such as the 50th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe) in 1995, the 50th anniversary of D-Day, and the 1984 and 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo and Calgary, respectively. Joan also had the privilege of covering the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Born as Joan Elise Blunden on September 19, 1950, in Fair Oaks, California, Joan’s parents were Dr. Erle Murray Blunden, a physician, and Gladyce Lorraine (née Somervill). She earned a Liberal Arts degree from California State University, Sacramento, and later pursued studies in Spanish and anthropology at the former Mexico City campus of Universidad de Las Americas. Her broadcasting journey began in Sacramento, where she worked for Channel 3 (KCRA) and radio as the co-anchor of the daily noon television news program. Joan’s career took a significant leap when she joined New York’s WABC-TV Eyewitness News in 1975. Her popularity led to her promotion as co-host of Good Morning America alongside David Hartman, covering everything from U.S. Presidents and First Ladies to Olympic Games and royal weddings.
Beyond her professional achievements, Joan is a devoted mother of seven children. She has authored over ten books, appeared on the Biography program and Biography Channel, and currently serves as a special correspondent for NBC’s Today. In 2021, she took on the role of host for the public television program Second Opinion. Joan’s enduring impact on television and her commitment to sharing valuable insights with viewers continue to resonate across generations.
Joan Lunden Age And Birthday
As of now, Joan Lunden, the accomplished American television journalist, is 73 years old. She was born on September 19, 1950, in Fair Oaks, California.
Joan Lunden Height And Weight
The accomplished American television journalist, Lunden, stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighs approximately 159 pounds (72 kg). Her body measurements are 37-26-38 inches.
Joan Lunden Educational Background
Joan achieved an impressive educational background, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from California State University, Sacramento. She then pursued further studies in Spanish and anthropology at the former Mexico City campus of Universidad de Las Americas. Joan’s passion for broadcasting led her to become a visiting instructor at Montclair State College in New Jersey, where she taught a course in broadcast journalism. Her dedication to education and her broadcasting career exemplifies her commitment and versatility.
Joan Lunden Family, Siblings, Parents
Joan Lunden, the accomplished American television journalist, comes from a rich family history. Gladyce Lorraine Somerville and Dr. Erle Murray Blunden, a physician, are her parents. Joan also had a brother named Jeff, who unfortunately succumbed to type II diabetes.
Joan Career
Lunden embarked on her professional journey as a meeting instructor at Montclair State College in New Jersey, where she covered communication news. Her passion for journalism led her to KCRA-TV, where she began her broadcasting career in Sacramento, California. Initially, she worked as a multimedia journalist and later transitioned to become a news anchor. Joan’s remarkable trajectory continued when she joined WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News in New York in 1975. There, she started as a co-anchor for the weekend newscasts and eventually ascended to become a feature news reporter.
Her impact extended beyond local news. Joan served as a fill-in co-host for ABC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics and contributed to the network’s acclaimed program, Good Morning America. Her journalistic prowess allowed her to cover a wide range of topics, from U.S. Presidents and First Ladies to Olympic Games and royal weddings. With nearly two decades as the co-host of Good Morning America, Joan Lunden remains the longest-running female host in early morning television history.
Beyond her professional achievements, Joan is also a devoted mother of seven children and an author of 12 books. Her enduring influence continues to resonate with viewers across generations.
Joan Lunden Husband And Children
Joan welcomed her eldest daughter, Jamie, alongside then-husband Michael A. Krauss in 1980, marking her first experience as a mother. Their second child, Lindsay, followed in 1983, and daughter Sarah arrived in 1987. Despite Joan and Michael’s divorce in 1992, their shared love for their children remains unwavering.
During her second marriage to Jeff Konigsberg, Joan expanded her family. They exchanged vows in 2000 and became the doting parents of twins Max and Kate in 2003. Less than two years later, another delightful surprise came their way—a second set of twins, Kimberly and Jack, arrived in 2005. Interestingly, both sets of twins were born through surrogacy, adding a unique twist to their family dynamics.
On social media, Joan actively shares glimpses of her life as a devoted mother. She relishes in moments spent with her children, whether it’s grabbing dinner with her daughters, cheering on her sons at sports games, or celebrating milestones with her entire family. Joan’s outlook on life has undergone significant transformation, particularly following her battle with breast cancer in 2014. Now, she finds joy in appreciating the beauty of her surroundings, from the trees lining the road to her office, to the love and support she receives from friends and family.
Joan Lunden’s Net Worth
Lunden has a net worth that ranges between $20 million to $50 million as of 2024.
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