Joan Lunden, an iconic American journalist, author, and television host, is 74 years old as of October 2025, born on September 19, 1950, in Fair Oaks, California. Renowned for co-hosting ABC’s Good Morning America from 1980 to 1997, she has crafted a remarkable career in broadcasting, writing, and advocacy. With a net worth of $25 million, a height of 5 feet 4 inches, and weight of approximately 56 kg, Lunden remains a vibrant media presence, married to Jeff Konigsberg since 2000. She’s raised seven children, become a grandmother to at least four, and triumphed over triple-negative breast cancer. Earning an estimated $1 million annually through hosting, speaking, and endorsements, Lunden’s story of resilience and reinvention shines. This article delves into her married life, children, grandchildren, cancer journey, and more, offering fresh perspectives on her enduring legacy.
Joan Lunden Early Life and Education: Building a Foundation for Broadcast Success
Joan Elise Blunden—later Lunden to avoid mispronunciation—grew up shaped by her father, Dr. Erle Murray Blunden, a cancer surgeon and pilot who died in a 1964 plane crash when she was 13. This loss fueled her later health advocacy. Her mother, Gladyce Lorraine, instilled resilience in Joan and her brother Jeff.
At Bella Vista High School in Fair Oaks, she laid the groundwork for a Liberal Arts degree from California State University, Sacramento. She studied Spanish and anthropology at Universidad de las Americas in Mexico City, sparking a global curiosity evident in her reporting from 26 countries.
As a visiting instructor at Montclair State College, she taught broadcast journalism, merging education with her media passion. This empathetic, relatable style became her hallmark, resonating with millions on morning TV.
Joan Lunden Career Highlights: From Local Anchor to Global Icon
Lunden’s career began in 1973 at KCRA-TV in Sacramento, co-anchoring noon news and producing specials. By 1975, she joined WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News in New York, adopting her professional surname. Her breakthrough came in 1976 with Good Morning America (GMA), starting as a consumer reporter and becoming co-host with David Hartman (1980–1987) and Charlie Gibson (1987–1997).
Her 17-year GMA tenure included covering five Olympic Games, the 1981 Charles-Diana wedding, and interviews with presidents from Ford to Clinton. A standout: her 1983 Prince Charles interview, one of only three U.S. journalists selected. She bungee-jumped in New Zealand and climbed glaciers in Alaska, embodying adventure.
Post-GMA in 1997—amid ageism rumors she later addressed—she hosted A&E’s Behind Closed Doors (1996–2001), guest-hosted Biography, and launched America’s Invisible Children. Since 2014, she’s a special correspondent for NBC’s Today. In 2021, she began hosting PBS’s Second Opinion, demystifying health topics.
Lunden’s authored over 12 books, from Good Morning, I’m Joan Lunden (1986) to Why Did I Come into This Room? (2020). She runs Camp Reveille, a women’s wellness retreat, and is a spokesperson for A Place for Mom. Her awards include the 1991 Matrix Award and 2016 WWE Warrior Award. She pioneered morning TV’s shift to personal storytelling, notably bringing her newborn daughter Jamie on GMA in 1980, securing on-site childcare.
Joan Lunden Net Worth, Salary, and Financial Legacy in 2025
At 74, Joan Lunden’s net worth is $25 million, built through broadcasting, authorship, and endorsements. Her estimated $1 million annual salary comes from hosting Second Opinion, speaking fees (up to $25,000 per event), and partnerships like Walgreens for Health Corner.
In the 1980s, her GMA salary reportedly reached $1.8 million annually—about $5 million today. Post-GMA, she diversified with Workout America (1994) and books. Her Greenwich, Connecticut, estate reflects her success, though car details remain private.
Lunden’s philanthropy, including millions donated to the American Cancer Society, blends wealth with purpose, inspired by caring for her late mother with dementia.
Joan Lunden Height, Weight, and Timeless Vitality
At 5 feet 4 inches and 56 kg (123 lbs), Lunden maintains vitality through yoga, hiking, and Camp Reveille. With blonde hair, dark brown eyes, a size 7.5 shoe, and estimated size 6 dress, she embodies disciplined wellness.
In a 2024 interview, she credited genetics and mindset: “Aging is a new stage of opportunity.” National Institute on Aging data shows active septuagenarians like her report 30% higher life satisfaction. Not dating but happily married, Lunden’s routine includes balanced meals and mental puzzles like jigsaws.
Joan Lunden Husband, Married Life, and Dating History: A Tale of Two Enduring Bonds
Lunden’s dating history is private, with no notable pre-marriage relationships. Her first marriage to TV producer Michael A. Krauss (1978–1992) produced three daughters. Michael, born March 5, 1939, is a jazz drummer and producer for The Mike Douglas Show. Their amicable divorce coincided with her GMA peak.
Since April 18, 2000, Lunden has been married to Jeff Konigsberg, owner of Camp Takajo. Their private wedding led to a 25-year partnership. “He’s my rock,” she told People in 2022. No affair rumors disrupt their bond, marked by family hikes and quiet evenings.
Joan Lunden Children and Grandchildren: Blending Families with Grace
Lunden has seven children. From Michael: Jamie Beryl Krauss Hess (b. 1980; 45), a QVC host married to George Hess; Lindsay Leigh Krauss Weinberg (b. 1983; 42), a voice actress wed to Evan Weinberg; and Sarah Emily Krauss (b. 1987; 38), an actress.
With Jeff: Twins Kate and Max Konigsberg (b. 2003; 22), college students; and twins Jack and Kim Konigsberg (b. 2005; 20), recent high school grads. Born via surrogacy, they inspired her advocacy: “Surrogacy is a beautiful path,” she told Closer Weekly.
Her four grandchildren include Jamie’s sons Mason Levi Hess (b. 2015; 10) and Asher Hess (~2020; 5), and Lindsay’s daughter Parker Leigh Weinberg (b. 2014; 11). In 2024, Lunden shared on Instagram Camp Reveille moments with them. As a “sandwich generation” matriarch, she balanced teens, toddlers, and her ailing mother, a model for 25% of grandparents per AARP.
Joan Lunden Cancer Update: A Decade of Advocacy and Survival
In June 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer at 63, missed by mammograms due to dense breasts. After 16 chemotherapy rounds, lumpectomy, and radiation, she’s been cancer-free since 2015.
In a 2024 ABC7 interview, she urged: “Know your breast density—call your lab.” Her advocacy drove 2024 FDA mandates for density notifications. Her streaming network BadHairDayDoc.com supports survivors. During chemo, granddaughter Parker’s birth tested her, yet she showed up, bald and beaming, echoing: “You beat cancer by how you live.”
Joan Lunden Personal Life, Controversies, and Wellness Philosophy
Lunden’s private life has no major controversies beyond 1997 GMA exit rumors tied to ageism. A pescatarian, she prioritizes sleep and hip-hop classes. Her mother’s 2013 passing fueled senior care advocacy.
She shares on her website: “Post-cancer, I puzzle daily—it’s my brain gym.” Follow her on X or Wikipedia.
Joan Lunden Comprehensive Biography Table
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Joan Elise Blunden |
| Current Age (2025) | 74 years old |
| Date of Birth | September 19, 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Fair Oaks, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Horoscope Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | 56 kg (123 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Shoe Size | 7.5 |
| Dress Size | Approximately 6 (US) |
| Parents | Father: Dr. Erle Murray Blunden (d. 1964); Mother: Gladyce Lorraine Blunden (d. 2013) |
| Siblings | Brother: Jeff Blunden (d. 2007) |
| Education | Liberal Arts degree, California State University, Sacramento; Spanish and Anthropology, Universidad de las Americas, Mexico City |
| First Marriage | Michael A. Krauss (1978–1992) |
| Second Marriage | Jeff Konigsberg (m. April 18, 2000–present) |
| Number of Children | 7 |
| Children from First Marriage | Jamie Beryl Krauss Hess (b. 1980), Lindsay Leigh Krauss Weinberg (b. 1983), Sarah Emily Krauss (b. 1987) |
| Children from Second Marriage | Twins Kate and Max Konigsberg (b. 2003), Twins Jack and Kim Konigsberg (b. 2005) |
| Grandchildren | At least 4: Mason Levi Hess (b. 2015), Asher Hess (~2020), Parker Leigh Weinberg (b. 2014) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $25 million |
| Annual Salary Estimate | $1 million |
| Profession | Journalist, Author, Television Host, Speaker |
| Career Start | 1973 at KCRA-TV, Sacramento |
| Major Shows Hosted | Good Morning America (1980–1997), Second Opinion (2021–present), Behind Closed Doors (1996–2001) |
| Books Authored | Over 12, including Had I Known (2015), Why Did I Come into This Room? (2020) |
| Health Update | Breast cancer survivor (diagnosed 2014, cancer-free since 2015) |
| Awards | Matrix Award (1991), WWE Warrior Award (2016), Spirit of Achievement Award |
| Current Roles | Host of PBS’s Second Opinion; Spokesperson for A Place for Mom; Breast cancer advocate |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Residence | Greenwich, Connecticut |
| Philanthropy | American Cancer Society, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, surrogacy advocacy |
| Unique Ventures | Founder of Camp Reveille; Producer of Workout America (1994) |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram (@JoanLunden) and X (@JoanLunden) |
| Death-O-Meter | Alive and thriving |
