GMA Weather Anchor Sam Champion Engaged to Be Married to Brazilian Boyfriend
Good Morning American weatherman Sam Champion will marry boyfriend Rubem Robierb later this year.
"I've never been happier to share a bit of personal news," Champion said. "We are thrilled and so excited and thank everyone for their good wishes."
According to a New York Times report, Champion and Robierb will marry in New York on New Year's Eve and then celebrate with a party in Miami.
Robierb lives in Miami and met Champion through mutual friends a few years ago.
According to the Times, Champion's sexual orientation was no secret to the the GMA staff nor "competitors in the media industry." The report said "he exuberantly showed off his engagement ring to colleagues the day after becoming engaged and brought Robierb to parties with fellow co-hosts. But he didn't speak publicly about it."
"Sam has been a good friend and longtime supporter of GLAAD, and we wish him and Rubem the absolute best" said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick.
ABC News' President Ben Sherwood gave the engaged couple his well-wishes via Twitter.
"Congratulations @SamChampion &Rubem Robeirb -- thrilled for both of you -- wishing the very best," Sherwood tweeted.
George Stephanopoulos (@GStephanopoulos): So happy for you @SamChampion - A big family hug from me, @AliEWentworth and the girls!
Josh Elliot (@JoshElliottABC): Congrats, to the best friend and colleague imaginable....
Diane Sawyer (@DianeSawyer): and everybody here celebrating Sam's happiness
Before joining ABC News in September 2006, Champion spent 18 years at WABC-TV in New York where he was the most-watched weatherman in the tri-state area. Prior to joining WABC-TV, Champion was a weekend weather anchor and news reporter at WPSD-TV in Paducah, KY. Champion began his career in broadcast news as an intern at WKYT-TV in Lexington, KY., while attending college.
Champion graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree in broadcast news.