“Good Morning America” host Lara Spencer took a moment to remember her late mother, who passed away in February 2026. The former HGTV star said it’s difficult to comprehend her passing after seeing her so vibrant just months earlier.

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Lara Spencer Shares Throwback Photo of Mom: ‘Every Day Was a Gift’

On April 15, Spencer took to her Instagram Stories to share a photo of her mom Carolyn von Seelen smiling as she stood with a walker. The pic was taken in late 2025.

“This was November 24, 2025,” Spencer shared.

She continued, “It’s very difficult to see her so vibrant here and try and comprehend how 2 and a half months later, she would be gone.”

“Every day is — and was — a gift,” she added.

In a November 27, 2025, Instagram post, Spencer shared a sweet photo of her sitting on her mom’s lap.

“I am the youngest of five and forever my mama’s baby girl,” she wrote in the caption. “Feeling so thankful today for our time together. Hope you all have a day filled with love and family. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. ❤️🦃❤️🦃”

Her “GMA” co-host Robin Roberts commented, “Love this pic and love both of you!”

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Spencer Shared Her Mom’s Passing in a Touching Tribute

Spencer shared the sad news of her mother’s passing in an Instagram post on February 16.

Along with a collection of sweet family photos, Spencer wrote, “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.”

The “GMA” host continued, “She was a woman who loved a saying — she had one for everything — 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 us with your loving warmth and humor,” Spencer wrote.

She added, “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.”