Robin Roberts, girlfriend Amber Laign's 10-year relationship was no secret to family, friends, colleagues

The ‘Good Morning America’ host may have revealed her lesbian relationship for the first time publicly yesterday via Facebook, but those close to her have known about it for years.

Robin Roberts did not reveal her relationship with Amber Laign (at left during a Hawaiian vacation in September) publicly until Sunday, but friends and family have known about their longtime relationship for years.

One day after "Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts publicly came out as a lesbian in an emotional Facebook message, fans learned more about her "longtime" girlfriend.

San Francisco-based Amber Laign has been with Roberts, 53, for 10 years, and their relationship was no secret to family, friends and colleagues, TMZ reported.

Though Roberts kept her relationship with the massage therapist private, the pair was photographed together several times, including at an award show in July.

Sources indicate that after Roberts faced another challenging year with her health, she wanted to acknowledge Amber Laign’s unconditional support of her publicly.

"I am grateful for my entire family, my long time girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together," the morning show host wrote on Facebook on Sunday. "I am grateful for the many prayers and well wishes for my recovery. I return every one of them to you 100 fold."

Roberts has battled through two life-threatening illnesses, and Laign was reportedly the major source of her strength through the health crisis. She survived breast cancer in 2007 and Myelodysplastic Syndrome in 2012.

Amber Laign (l.) at the ESPY awards with the family of Robin Roberts. The 'GMA' host revealed her longtime relationship with Laign for the first time publicly on Dec. 29.

"I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health," she added. "I am grateful for my sister, Sally-Ann, for being my donor and giving me the gift of life."

Both Laign and Sally-Ann were in attendance to support Roberts as she received the Arthur Ashe Award at the ESPYS in July.

Amber Laign (c.) attended the ESPYs in July in support of Roberts, who receieved the Arthur Ashe award for courage.

Sources told TMZ that Roberts simply chose this opportunity to acknowledge Laign for all that she's done after a challenging year together.

"On this last Sunday of 2013," Roberts continued, "I encourage you to reflect on what you are grateful for too."