Robin Roberts Mother Dies: 'Good Morning America' Anchor Posts Heartfelt Message to Fans

"Good Morning America" newscaster Robin Roberts has been dealt a lot of tough blows lately - but with her strength, perseverance, and robust support system, looks the 51-year-old may pull through as powerful as ever. Last week Roberts took a leave of absence from her "America" post in order to start medical cancer treatment for MDS. Following this announcement, Roberts returned home to Mississippi to be with her ailing mother in her final hours. Lucimarian Tolliver Roberts passed away last Thursday at the age of 88.

Roberts was supposed to enter treatment in New York this week, but instead she plans on holding off a week so she can spend time with family in Mississippi.

In a public message posted on the "Good Morning America" website on Tuesday, Roberts writes to her fans:

"I am overwhelmed with emotion from your kind, warm messages," she writes. "I find great comfort in knowing my mother lived an amazing life.

To help me deal with my immense grief my family tells me momma gave me one final gift as her last act. She waited for me to get home on Thursday to say goodbye. She was there when I took my first breath and what a privilege to hold her sweet hand when she took her last breath.

Momma knew she wasn't physically able to be with me for my bone marrow transplant. My siblings say mom wanted to spare me the agony it would have been if she had passed and I couldn't be there. That thought was weighing heavily on me.

Momma found a way to be with me every step of the way on my journey. I am humbled by her selflessness.

Today I was supposed to be admitted to the hospital...instead I am here in Mississippi standing proudly with my family as we honor our beloved mother and celebrate her life. When I return to NYC and walk through those hospital doors next week momma will be right there with me. Light, love and blessings to all ... RR."

Best of luck and warm condolences to Robin Roberts and her family.