‘GMA’s Ginger Zee Shares Big Update on Her Mom – Costars React

Courtesy of Ginger Zee/Instagram

‘GMA’s Ginger Zee Shares Big Update on Her Mom – Costars React

Originally posted on TV Insider | Last updated Jun 2, 2026 11:28 AM ET

Ginger Zee is feeling like a proud daughter after her mother achieved a major career accomplishment.

Back in March, the Good Morning America meteorologist revealed that her mom, Dawn E. Zuidgeest-Craft, was set to graduate from medical school in May. “She’s taken all the tests. It’s done. She’s a doctor,” she shared via Instagram. “But, obviously, the next step for most people that get an MD is to do a residency.”

Zee admitted that she and her family were initially hesitant about her mom’s career aspirations, as a residency can take several years to complete. “She was a neonatal nurse practitioner for 45 years. She’s highly educated. But in her retirement, all she wanted to do was complete the goal that she had always wanted, and that was to become a doc,” she explained.

Zee concluded her video by revealing that Zuidgeest-Craft had “matched” with a family medicine office for her residency, and that she was “elated” over her mother’s success. “Very proud of you, Mama. Love you,” she gushed.

Now, Zee is celebrating her mom’s official graduation from medical school. “Calling Dr. Didi — got to see mom graduate with her MD this weekend @zuidgeestcraft, take in a game @whitesox and the kids got to play with their cousins,” the TV host captioned a Monday, June 1, Instagram post. “Wonderful to enjoy Chicago.”

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A post shared by ginger_zee (@ginger_zee)

Zee’s upload featured a photo of her mother smiling at the camera during her graduation ceremony, as well as a selfie the mother-daughter duo took at a baseball game.

Zee’s colleagues and fans offered their own congratulations to Zuidgeest-Craft in the post’s comments. “What an incredible achievement in itself – and a huge inspiration for all. Well done, Dr Didi!!” wrote ABC News’ Rebecca Jarvis. ABC News meteorologist Danielle Breezy added, “Congrats to your momma!” Fellow ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz gushed, “This is phenomenal. Congratulations to your mother for her tenacity and passion.”

One user commented, “Omg, as a nurse I love that your mom believed in my philosophy, you become a lifelong learner!!” Another added, “Yay!!! Congrats @zuidgeestcraft !!! You’re made for this.”

Someone else shared, “This is so great and warms my heart. Congratulations to your mom’s great achievement !! You must be so proud.” A different person posted, “Congratulations! Your mom is awesome…the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree! Such an amazing accomplishment. Cheers to your mom!”

In a September 2024 interview with ABC News, Zuidgeest-Craft revealed that she was inspired to apply for medical school after her husband, Carl Craft, suffered a severe injury. “I really always wanted to go, but honestly, I had my family as priority,” she shared at the time. “And I didn’t do what I really wanted to do, but now I am. And it’s really been an amazing experience.”

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This article first appeared on TV Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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