Michael Strahan Breaks Down as Twin Daughters Prepare for College: “I Didn’t Want This Day to Come”

For television host and former NFL star Michael Strahan, family has always been at the heart of everything. But even for someone used to the spotlight, some moments are too personal not to feel deeply—and this week, the Good Morning America host let the world in on one of those moments.

Strahan, 52, shared an emotional update on Instagram, revealing that his 19-year-old twin daughters, Isabella and Sophia, will soon be leaving home to start college. And while he couldn’t be prouder, the reality of becoming an empty nester is hitting hard.

“I didn’t want this day to come,” he admitted. “But I know it’s time.”

The twin girls, whom Strahan shares with ex-wife Jean Strahan, have chosen schools on opposite sides of the country. Isabella will be attending the University of Southern California, while Sophia will be starting her journey at Duke University in North Carolina. For Strahan, that means not only an emptier home but also a new kind of parenting—supporting from afar.

In one touching post, the proud father shared a photo of his daughters beaming inside a CVS store, standing next to a shelf stocked with products from the Michael Strahan Brand Skin and Shave line. “@isabellastrahan and @sophialstrahan know how to put a smile on my face!!” he wrote, beaming with pride over their support. “They were shopping in @cvspharmacy and had to check out the @michaelstrahanbrand skin and shave routine!!! #GirlDad #MakeYourKidsProud.”

Fans quickly flooded the post with supportive comments. “Having an amazing relationship with your dad is priceless,” one user wrote. “This is so lovely,” said another. A third added, “Too adorable, love seeing the family support!”

But while those moments brought smiles, others have brought tears.

In a recent family celebration, Isabella posed with a custom cake commemorating her enrollment at USC. Strahan captioned the sweet image with just two words: “FIGHT ON,” echoing the school’s slogan. It was a simple message, but one that carried the weight of a father preparing to say goodbye.

Sophia’s decision to attend Duke adds another layer of complexity to this transition. With both girls venturing into new lives across the country from each other—and from their father—the GMA host is bracing for a quieter, lonelier home.

Strahan lives in a stylish Upper West Side apartment in Manhattan, close to the GMA studios. The neighborhood, known for its community feel and low-key vibe, has been the perfect backdrop for the private side of his public life.

“I like the Upper West Side because, being a father, I like the family feel to it,” Strahan said in a past interview with The New York Times. “You see mothers with strollers, people walking their dogs. One thing I love about the neighborhood, when you go into places, it’s not like, ‘Michael!’ I’m another person who’s just there.”

As the twins prepare to leave, Strahan will find solace in the company of his two beloved dogs, Enzo and Zuma. The latter is a recent addition, and the star introduced the pup to fans earlier this year.

Michael is no stranger to change. After a storied NFL career with the New York Giants, he transitioned to television and found immense success. But he’s long been open about how fatherhood redefined his life. In addition to Isabella and Sophia, Strahan has two older children—Michael Jr. and Tanita—from his previous marriage to Wanda Hutchins.

Now, with all four children living outside the home, Strahan is entering a new chapter—one filled with visits, long-distance FaceTimes, and the quiet ache of letting go.

Though he splits his time between New York and Los Angeles—where he also owns property—Strahan’s heart remains firmly rooted in his role as a father. And while this latest transition may be painful, it’s also a proud one.

As one fan commented, “You’ve raised them well. This is the bittersweet reward.”

Michael Strahan may be an Emmy-winning host and Hall of Fame athlete, but this week, he reminded the world that above all else, he’s a dad. And like any parent watching their children step into the world, he’s doing so with a full heart—and misty eyes.