Lara Spencer mourns death of beloved mom, 85, as she shares ‘overwhelming sadness’

Lara Spencer has paid tribute to her mom, Carolyn von Seelen, who has passed away aged 85. 

The GMA anchor took to social media on February 16 to announce the sad news, revealing that Carolyn – a brain tumor survivor – had died on February 13 – something she believes her mother would have “got a kick out of”. 

The TV star opened up about the “overwhelming sadness” of her mom’s passing, and shared that Carolyn was now reunited with her late husband, Richard, who passed away in 2011, as well as “our sister Pamela”. 

She penned: “If you were lucky enough to meet my mom you know that smile that lit up every room she walked into. What you might not have seen at first glance was her courage, resilience, endless optimism, deep faith, and boundless love for her family.” 

Lara continued: “She was a woman who loved a saying and used them often to help us get thru life’s challenges or painful moments. One of her favorite was ‘don’t be sad it’s over honey—be grateful it happened’. Sorry mama but there’s no way to not feel the pain of overwhelming sadness at the thought of not having you to share life with each day, but we sure are grateful YOU happened and showered with your love and warmth and humor. 

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“Our loving mom, grandmother to 12 and great-grandmother to 4 left us on Friday the 13TH (which we know she would have gotten a kick out of) surrounded by her children and her beloved rescue dog to reunite with my Dad and our sister Pamela. We love you always and forever mom.”

Lara’s co-stars shared their condolences following the sad news. Rebecca Jarvis wrote: “Sending you and your family so much love, Lara. I feel so fortunate to have met her at GMA – a truly special woman with a transcendent spark. May her memory be a blessing,” while Ginger Zee added: “So sorry Lara and sending you and the entire family so much love and peace.” 

Photos posted to accompany the tribute included several family snapshots featuring Lara and her mother, as well some with Carolyn and the rest of the GMA anchors, including Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan. 

In 2024, Carolyn completed treatment for a brain tumor, and Lara paid tribute to her back in July when her mother turned 85, reflecting on her health battle. 

She wrote: “‘No presents!!!! Just your presence.’ My mom- She has defied the odds – surviving a pretty horrible diagnosis, major brain tumor surgery and all that goes with it – and now a year and 7 months later – as she welcomes her 85th lap around the sun – she continues to inspire us to be optimistic and grateful for every day we are lucky enough to enjoy. 

“It was a truly joyful birthday celebration with all five of her children, a gaggle of grandkids, and now 3 great grandkids who will one day will look at these pictures and see that twinkle in her eye and know how much she loves them.”