"I have been waiting 174 days to say this: 'Good Morning America!'" GMA host Robin Roberts said on her return to the show.

Roberts, who has been absent for five months to the day, took an unplanned hiatus for health reasons. The 52 year-old anchor had to undergo a bone marrow transplant to treat her advancing myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS, a rare blood disorder. During her treatment and recovery, there were numerous points when Roberts was hoping to get back to the job, but was never given that ok from the doctors, until now. "I keep pinching myself and I realize that this is real. This is really happening," she said, according to The New York Post. "Faith, family and friends have brought me to this moment and I am so full of gratitude."

As usual, Robin opened the show from the familiar Times Square studio, this time for a supporting audience of family, friends and fans, as well as the doctors and nurses who helped her on the road to recovery. In a brief speech upon her return, the anchor thanked everyone for their help and support during the five months and added: "As my mother said, ‘We all have something.’ Everyone’s story has purpose and meaning and value and I share this morning, this day of celebration, with everyone."

The day came just two weeks after the initial announcement of Roberts’ return was made on Feb 6 and now the anchor can officially return to her full speed schedule on the show. We here at Contact Music would like to welcome back Mrs. Roberts and wish her all the best in her future on GMA. 

Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts, pictured here before her treatment