As summer draws to a close, many parents across the country find themselves preparing to say goodbye to their children as they head back to college. 

For Good Morning America host Lara Spencer, this bittersweet moment 

recently arrived as she bid farewell to her two children, Duff and Katharine, as they returned to their respective campuses.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

Spencer, a devoted mother of two, took to Instagram to share a nostalgic and emotional tribute to her son and daughter. 

She posted a throwback photo of them as young children, dressed in adorable outfits—Katharine sporting a plaid waistcoat over a white t-shirt with a headband, and Duff wearing a blue polo. 

The image captured just how much they have grown over the years.

Reflecting on their journey, she captioned the post, “College drop-off complete for these two—now a senior and a sophomore!! Love you guys,” adding a heartfelt red heart emoji to express her emotions.

A Travel Mishap in Tennessee

While sending her kids off to college was already an emotional experience, Spencer encountered an unexpected hurdle during the process. While dropping off Katharine at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, she found herself stranded due to a canceled flight.

In true Lara Spencer fashion, she made the most of the situation and shared snippets of her time in Nashville with her followers. She posted about her impromptu adventure, revealing that despite the stress of the situation, she managed to find a silver lining.

“It was hard to say goodbye to my baby at college drop-off, then stressful to have a flight canceled with no other flights available for the night….” she wrote.

Luckily, she wasn’t alone in her predicament. She met other moms who were also stuck in the city, and they decided to turn an unfortunate situation into a fun night out. Sharing photos from Clyde’s Bar, she captioned the images, “BUT if we moms have to be stranded—there’s no place we would rather do it. 🙂 Thanks, Nashville, for always delivering.”

Where Are Duff and Katharine Studying?

Katharine is beginning her second year at Vanderbilt University, a prestigious school known for its strong academic programs. Meanwhile, Duff is reportedly attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he is now a senior. Both have taken on their collegiate journeys with enthusiasm, and their mother couldn’t be prouder.

A Memorable Summer Together

Before parting ways, Spencer made sure to cherish every moment she had with her children over the summer. The trio spent quality time together in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where they enjoyed relaxing beach outings. Spencer documented some of these special moments, sharing sun-soaked photos with her followers.

Her posts were filled with gratitude for the time spent with her children, emphasizing how much she treasures these fleeting summer months before they return to school.

Navigating the Challenges of an Empty Nest

Spencer has been open about her mixed emotions regarding her children growing up and becoming more independent. She previously discussed the transition into an empty nest with fellow GMA colleague George Stephanopoulos’s wife, Ali Wentworth, who had also been preparing to send her daughter off to college.

When Wentworth admitted she wasn’t ready for the change, Spencer could completely relate. She responded with a heartfelt message, expressing the deep emotions that come with this life milestone.

“I hear you, sister. I am at the airport with a giant lump in my throat. I don’t want to leave. It’s going to feel too real. The house will be too quiet,” she shared. “The music won’t be blaring. Her room will be neat. My clothes will not be missing. I don’t like it one bit.”

This honest reflection resonated with many parents who are experiencing the same transition, proving that even public figures like Spencer go through the same heartfelt struggles as any other mom.

Looking Ahead

Despite the emotional goodbyes, Spencer remains immensely proud of her children as they continue their academic journeys. While her home may feel quieter in their absence, she knows these years are shaping them into the people they are meant to be.

For now, she is focusing on her work at Good Morning America while eagerly looking forward to the next visit with Duff and Katharine. Though the college drop-off may be tough, she takes comfort in knowing that her love and support will always be with them, no matter how far apart they may be.

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