Amber Laign is a professional massage therapist and wellness entrepreneur who married ABC’s Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts in September 2023. Beyond her successful career in bodywork, Laign is the co-founder of Plant Juice Oils, a wellness brand born from her passion for holistic healing and her support for Roberts during significant health challenges.
As we look at their journey in 2026, Amber Laign remains a central figure in the wellness space, bridging the gap between traditional therapeutic practices and modern plant-based recovery. Her transition from a behind-the-scenes professional to a public advocate for health and resilience has made her an influential name in the lifestyle industry.
The Professional Roots of Amber Laign: From Fashion to Therapy
Long before she became a household name through her relationship with Robin Roberts, Amber Laign built a career grounded in both commerce and care. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Laign moved to New York City to pursue opportunities in the fashion industry. For several years, she worked as a sales representative for Berger & Stevens, a high-end fashion showroom.
While she found success in the fast-paced world of Manhattan fashion, her interests eventually pivoted toward the healing arts. This shift was not merely a career change but a reflection of her personal philosophy regarding health and stress management.
Transitioning to Massage Therapy
Laign enrolled at the Swedish Institute of Health Sciences, one of the most prestigious schools for massage therapy in the United States. Her training focused on:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Gaining a deep understanding of how muscle groups interact and how the body responds to physical stress.
- Swedish Massage Techniques: Mastering the classic methods of relaxation and circulation improvement.
- Deep Tissue Work: Learning how to address chronic pain and muscular injuries.
- Myofascial Release: A specialized technique used to treat skeletal muscle immobility and pain by relaxing contracted muscles.
By qualifying as a licensed massage therapist (LMT), Laign established a private practice that prioritized individualized care. Her background in massage therapy provided her with a unique perspective on the physical manifestations of emotional and psychological stress—a perspective that would later become crucial during the health crises faced by both her and her partner.
A Decades-Long Love Story: Meeting Robin Roberts
The relationship between Amber Laign and Robin Roberts is often cited as one of the most enduring and stable partnerships in the entertainment industry. The pair met on a blind date in 2005, orchestrated by mutual friends who believed their personalities would complement one another.
The Private Years
For nearly a decade, the couple kept their relationship out of the public eye. During this time, Roberts was a staple of morning television, while Laign continued her work as a massage therapist. This period of privacy allowed them to build a foundation of trust away from the scrutiny of the media.
It wasn't until late 2013 that Roberts publicly acknowledged Laign. In a Facebook post reflecting on her recovery from a bone marrow transplant to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), Roberts thanked her "long-time girlfriend, Amber." This announcement was a significant moment for both the LGBTQ+ community and for fans of Good Morning America, as it confirmed a partnership that had already lasted eight years.
Supporting a Partner Through Illness
Amber Laign’s training as a massage therapist was put to a personal test during Robin Roberts' most difficult health battles. Roberts survived breast cancer in 2007 and was diagnosed with MDS in 2012. Throughout these periods, Laign served as a primary caregiver.
Experts in holistic health often emphasize the role of touch and manual therapy in recovery. Laign utilized her professional skills to help Roberts manage the physical side effects of chemotherapy and the grueling recovery process following her bone marrow transplant. This experience highlighted the limitations of conventional medicine alone and sparked Laign’s interest in supplemental, plant-based therapies.
The Evolution into Wellness Entrepreneurship: Plant Juice Oils
By 2026, Amber Laign’s most recognizable professional achievement is the success of Plant Juice Oils, a company she co-founded with her friend Marci Freede. The brand was the direct result of Laign’s experience navigating the side effects of Roberts’ medical treatments.
The Philosophy Behind the Brand
Laign realized that while Western medicine was essential for saving Roberts’ life, it often left patients dealing with inflammation, insomnia, and chronic discomfort. Seeking natural alternatives, she began experimenting with essential oils and Cannabidiol (CBD).
Plant Juice Oils focuses on "Essential Oil + CBD" blends. As a massage therapist, Laign understood the importance of topical application and the synergistic effects of different plant extracts. The brand targets several common issues:
- Sleep Support: Using lavender and Roman chamomile blended with CBD to promote restorative rest.
- Pain Management: Utilizing peppermint and wintergreen for their cooling, analgesic properties.
- Stress Relief: Blending citrus and floral oils to regulate the nervous system.
Growth and Recognition
Under Laign’s leadership, the brand moved from a niche project to a widely recognized wellness name. By 2026, the company has expanded its product line to include professional-grade tinctures and recovery balms used by other massage therapists and physical therapists. Her ability to translate her clinical experience in bodywork into a tangible product line has been a key factor in the brand's longevity.
Personal Health Challenges: Amber’s Breast Cancer Journey
In early 2022, the roles of caregiver and patient were reversed when Amber Laign was diagnosed with breast cancer. This development was a profound shock to the couple, who had already faced so much health-related adversity.
Laign underwent surgery and subsequent treatments, including radiation. Throughout the process, she was vocal about the importance of early detection and the mental health toll of a cancer diagnosis. Her journey served as a reminder that health is a continuous process of advocacy and awareness.
Her diagnosis also reinforced her commitment to her wellness brand. During her own treatment, she relied on the very products she had developed for others, providing a powerful testimonial for the efficacy of her plant-based solutions. In 2026, Laign continues to participate in awareness campaigns, specifically focusing on the needs of caregivers who find themselves suddenly facing their own health crises.
The Landmark 2023 Wedding and Current Life in 2026
After 18 years together, Amber Laign and Robin Roberts married in September 2023. The wedding was a celebrated event, attended by colleagues from ABC News and close family and friends. The ceremony was widely seen as a testament to their resilience and the strength of their commitment.
Life in 2026
As of 2026, the couple continues to balance their high-profile careers with a focused lifestyle. They maintain residences in New York City and Connecticut, where they often share glimpses of their home life and their beloved dog, Lukas.
Laign’s role has shifted from a private massage therapist to a public-facing wellness expert. She frequently appears alongside Roberts in segments focused on holistic living and mental health. However, she remains deeply connected to her roots in therapy, often noting that "the hands-on connection" of massage is what informs her business decisions and her approach to self-care.
Comparing Professional Milestones: Amber Laign's Career Path
The following table outlines the key phases of Laign's professional journey, showing how she evolved from the fashion industry into a leader in the wellness sector.
| Era | Primary Focus | Key Contributions/Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1990s - Early 2000s | Fashion Industry | Sales Representative at Berger & Stevens; Showroom management. |
| Mid-2000s - 2010s | Massage Therapy | Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT); Graduate of Swedish Institute. Private clinical practice. |
| 2012 - 2015 | Caregiving & Research | Support for Robin Roberts during MDS; Investigating essential oils and CBD. |
| 2016 - 2022 | Business Development | Co-founded Plant Juice Oils; Product formulation and branding. |
| 2023 - 2026 | Public Advocacy | Marriage to Robin Roberts; National spokesperson for wellness and cancer awareness. |
The Impact of Wellness Training on Relationship Resilience
One of the most compelling aspects of Amber Laign’s story is how her professional background in massage therapy helped sustain her relationship. Relationship experts often point to the "caregiver burden" as a common cause of strain in long-term partnerships. However, Laign’s clinical understanding of the body and her holistic approach to health provided her with tools to manage this burden effectively.
Stress Modulation and Somatic Support
In the context of Robin Roberts' high-pressure career and health scares, Laign’s ability to provide somatic (body-based) support was invaluable. Massage therapy is known to lower cortisol levels and increase oxytocin, the "bonding hormone." By incorporating these elements into their daily life, the couple was able to maintain a physical and emotional connection even during periods of extreme medical stress.
In 2026, Laign often speaks at wellness conferences about the "Healing Power of the Partner," emphasizing that one does not need to be a professional therapist to provide meaningful physical comfort to a loved one, though her professional background certainly deepened that impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of massage therapy does Amber Laign specialize in?
Amber Laign is trained in various modalities, with a strong foundation from the Swedish Institute of Health Sciences. Her expertise includes Swedish massage for relaxation, deep tissue work for muscle recovery, and myofascial release. She often emphasizes the "mind-body connection," focusing on how physical touch can alleviate mental and emotional stress.
How did Amber Laign's career lead to the creation of Plant Juice Oils?
The company was born out of necessity. After witnessing the side effects of Robin Roberts' cancer treatments, Laign wanted to find natural ways to manage inflammation and anxiety. She combined her knowledge of human anatomy and the circulatory system (from massage therapy) with her research into CBD and essential oils to create topical and ingestible wellness products.
Is Amber Laign still practicing massage therapy in 2026?
While Laign is primarily focused on her wellness brand, Plant Juice Oils, and her public advocacy work, she remains a licensed professional. Her practice has evolved from seeing daily private clients to consulting on wellness protocols and developing therapeutic products that other practitioners use in their own clinics.
When did Amber Laign and Robin Roberts get married?
The couple officially tied the knot on September 8, 2023. The ceremony took place in the backyard of their Connecticut home. It was a milestone that many fans had anticipated since the couple had been together for 18 years prior to the wedding.
What is Amber Laign’s current focus in 2026?
In 2026, Laign is heavily involved in expanding the reach of plant-based wellness. She continues to advocate for breast cancer awareness and provides resources for caregivers. Her work with Plant Juice Oils remains a primary focus, particularly in developing education about how CBD can be safely integrated into a holistic lifestyle.
Final Recommendations for Wellness and Support
For those inspired by Amber Laign’s journey, whether as a professional therapist or a caregiver, several practical steps can be taken to emulate her approach to health. First, consider the benefits of integrative wellness, which combines standard medical care with holistic practices like massage and plant-based supplements.
Second, prioritize the caregiver's health. Laign’s story illustrates that a caregiver must remain vigilant about their own physical and mental well-being to be effective for their partner. Finally, for those interested in therapeutic products, always look for brands like Plant Juice Oils that emphasize transparency in sourcing and third-party testing for purity.
