Several months after coming out as gay, Robin Roberts is finally opening up about her long-time girlfriend Amber Laign, who is a licensed massage therapist.

In December 2013, Roberts posted a thank you message on Facebook. The message read: “At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude. I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health. I am grateful for my sister, Sally-Ann, for being my donor and giving me the gift of life. I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.”

This was the first time that Roberts had publicly revealed that she was a lesbian. Now, four months later, Roberts is talking about her relationship with Laign and how she helped her through the toughest time of her life. Roberts explained to Ellen DeGeneres that Laign doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, and tends to shy away from the cameras. She revealed that they would be celebrating their ninth anniversary this July.

Thanks to @TheEllenShow for a wonderful time. Fun yet meaningful chat. You're simply the best. The bonus was seeing your beloved mom! #XO

— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) April 29, 2014

“Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight,” Roberts said. “She’s very, very supportive and she’s been right there beside me every step of the way.”

Roberts recently finished her chemotherapy treatments for her cancer diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome. She explained that, although she will be receiving maintenance treatments for the next two years, she feels better than she ever has. Roberts credits Laign for helping her through her battle and taking care of her when she needed it most. She even included Laign in her new book Everybody’s Got Something.

“In the book, she takes the caregiver’s point of view and it’s really funny that sometimes we didn’t see the same thing eye to eye,” Roberts told DeGeneres. “I thought it was very powerful for people because there’s so many that care for their loved ones. So to see her side of it and to see my side of it was pretty interesting.”

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