ABC’s Chief Health and Medical Correspondent said goodbye to her final regular broadcasting scheduled episode with the network. She had been with ABC for the last 13 years.
On “Good Morning America,” Ashton’s co-workers gave the Doctor an emotion filled goodbye on June 27.
“Some of the biggest moments in our country’s history in health we covered and that was an incredible honor and privilege to lead the No. 1 network in the country from the medical standpoint for that,” Ashton said.
The ABC team celebrated with Dr. Ashton on the morning talk show. Her co host Lara Spencer presented the Doctor with a video honoring her work during her time with the network Anchor Robin Roberts said, “Dr. Jen is passionate and compassionate, and that’s what you want, especially from a doctor,” and everybody’s favorite host Michael Strahan added that Dr. Ashton “brings in medical fun” that is easy for everyone to understand.
As the video begins, it shows how Dr. Ashton led ABC’s medical coverage during COVID and offered advice on how to protect oneself in a mass shooting. The video became personal,when it showed her advocating for mental health issues. Her ex-husband and father of her children, died by suicide in 2017.
Her ex-husband, Dr. Robert C. Ashton, committed suicide 18 days after their divorce was finalized. The tragedy was covered on “GMA.” In 2019, Dr. Ashton wrote a book titled “Life After Suicide: Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss.” Her goal is to help other families deal with depression and suicide.
After the video, Ashton thanked her ABC team for sharing her career highlights, and for helping her provide important information to the public. At the end of the show, her family joined her on set.
Dr. Ashton announced her departure back in April. The 55-year-old decided to leave on her own accord. She left to start her own business. She founded a wellness company called Ajenda. This company is focused on helping middle aged women find their way through menopause, weight management, and nutrition.
She plans to always be on an as needed basis for ABC News and GMA. She has been with GMA since 2012.