NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Recently, ‘Good Morning America’ weekend host Gio Benitez recently announced the departure of showrunner and colleague Shaun Francis from the morning show.

The 37-year-old morning anchor took to Instagram to pay a small homage to Francis and shared a snap with him and other ‘GMA’ colleagues.

Benitez called it a “bittersweet” moment but displayed his excitement for Francis taking up the new role at ABC News.

‘GMA’ host Gio Benitez bids emotional farewell to colleague and showrunner

Benitez took to Instagram to share the news of Francis’ departure from the morning show with his fans and followers.

He informed everyone that it was Francis’ last day at the morning show and that the respected showrunner was moving on to a bigger assignment at ABC News.

In the snap shared by Benitez, weekend anchor, Janai Norman, meteorologist Somara Theodore, executive producer Simone Swink, and ABC News president Kim Godwin, can be seen standing next to the departing showrunner, smiling for the camera.

Benitez held a cake with “Congrats Shaun” written on it.

He captioned the photo, “A bittersweet morning at GMA Saturday and Sunday as our incredibly talented show-runner @shaunmtfrancis takes on an exciting new role at @abcnews. Congratulations, Shaun! (The missing piece of cake is Janai’s, obviously.)”

In the comments, Gio added: "And thank you @alexistvnews for the photo!!

Although it is yet to be ascertained what Francis’ new role will be at ABC News, Benitez gave his colleague a heartfelt send-off from the morning show.

Gio Benitez celebrates victory at the Edward R Murrow Awards for impactful journalism

The weekend ‘GMA’ host recently attended the Edward R Murrow Awards in New York where ABC News won nine awards.

Benitez attended the award function with co-workers Norman, Deborah Roberts, and other colleagues, sharing some gorgeous snaps from the events.

The 37-year-old was delighted to share with his followers that the “primetime Pride special, “@SoulOfANation: Pride | To Be Seen” won in the category of Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”

Benitez captioned his carousel post, “What a beautiful night celebrating groundbreaking and important journalism at the Edward R. Murrow Awards, where @ABCNews won nine awards, including in the coveted category of Overall Excellence. Our primetime Pride special, “@SoulOfANation: Pride | To Be Seen” won in the category of Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”

Benitez donned a black tux and a million-dollar smile as he posed with the award alongside his colleagues.