Sam Champion First Wife: The Truth About His Relationship History and Marriage

Sam Champion has been a familiar face on American television for decades, known for his warm personality, meteorological expertise, and long-standing presence on Good Morning America and The Weather Channel. With such a public career, it’s no surprise that viewers often grow curious about his personal life, searching for details about Sam Champion’s first wife and wondering whether he was ever married to a woman. The truth is simple: Sam Champion has never had a wife, and there is no “first wife” in his relationship history. Champion is openly gay and has been happily married to his husband, Rubem Robierb, since 2012. Understanding why this misconception persists requires looking at Champion’s career trajectory, public visibility, and the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in the media.

Who Is Sam Champion? A Quick Background

Sam Champion was born on August 13, 1961, in Paducah, Kentucky, and grew up in Fairfax, Virginia. From a young age, he developed an interest in science and communication—two skills that would later define his professional path. After studying broadcast news at Eastern Kentucky University, Champion began his career at WPSD-TV in Kentucky and WVBR-TV in New York.

However, his national breakthrough came when he joined ABC’s Good Morning America in 2006 as the program’s chief weather anchor. His charisma, calm delivery, and ability to explain complex weather events in accessible terms made him a household name. Later, he co-hosted AMHQ on The Weather Channel and contributed to climate-focused reporting. His decades-long visibility has made him one of the most recognizable meteorologists in the world.

With such long-term fame, it’s natural for viewers to wonder about his life outside the studio—yet many remain unaware of the full truth behind his personal journey.

Is There a “Sam Champion First Wife”?

The short answer is no: Sam Champion has never had a first wife. The idea of a “first wife” comes from outdated assumptions that male TV personalities must have had traditional heterosexual marriages earlier in life. In reality, Champion has always been open about who he is and who he loves, particularly in the years leading up to his marriage.

The misconception likely stems from several factors. First, Champion’s high professional visibility means rumors emerge easily. Second, before he publicly came out in the early 2010s, some fans assumed—incorrectly—that he must have been married to a woman earlier in life simply because he was a public figure in an era when LGBTQ+ identities were discussed less openly. But Champion has never spoken of having a wife, no ex-wife has ever come forward, and no public record indicates any past marriage to a woman.

Understanding this makes it clear that the term “first wife” is purely a rumor, not a reflection of his actual relationship history.

Sam Champion’s Public Coming Out and Personal Journey

In October 2012, Sam Champion confirmed publicly that he is gay. This announcement was significant because Champion was one of the most recognized faces on morning television. His coming out marked an important moment in broadcast media, contributing to increased LGBTQ+ visibility.

Champion shared the news at a time when many celebrities still felt hesitant to discuss their sexuality. But his openness was met with widespread support—from colleagues, fans, and the media. He handled the announcement with grace, focusing not on sensational headlines but on authenticity and honesty.

His coming out paved the way for the next major chapter of his personal life: marriage.

Sam Champion and Rubem Robierb: A Love Story

The most important relationship in Sam Champion’s life is his marriage to Brazilian-born visual artist and photographer Rubem Robierb. The two met through mutual friends in the mid-2000s and quickly formed a strong connection rooted in shared passions for art, travel, cultural exploration, and philanthropy.

In October 2012, shortly after Champion came out publicly, ABC News confirmed his engagement to Robierb. Their relationship had been private until that moment, but the announcement made headlines nationwide, celebrating the couple’s love story.

Champion and Robierb married in December 2012 in New York City, shortly after same-sex marriage was legalized in the state. The ceremony was intimate, elegant, and filled with friends, family, and colleagues from the broadcasting and arts communities. A second celebration took place in Miami, blending their cultural backgrounds and honoring Robierb’s Brazilian roots.

Their marriage has remained strong for more than a decade, marked by mutual respect, artistic collaboration, and shared humanitarian work. They frequently share glimpses of their life together—travel, creative projects, and quiet moments—offering a picture of stability and genuine partnership.

Who Is Rubem Robierb?

Rubem Robierb is an accomplished visual artist whose work spans photography, sculpture, and installation pieces. Born in Brazil, he began his career in poetry before transitioning into visual art. His distinctive style often explores themes of justice, social change, human emotion, and transformation.

Robierb has exhibited his work internationally, earning recognition in galleries across the United States, Europe, and South America. His projects frequently reflect his advocacy for equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and artistic freedom. His artistic voice complements Champion’s scientific and journalistic background, making their partnership a blend of creativity, intellect, and purpose.

Together, they engage in philanthropic efforts, including support for anti-bullying initiatives, environmental causes, and LGBTQ+ youth programs.

Champion’s Perspective on Love, Marriage, and Authenticity

Over the years, Champion has spoken passionately about love, equality, and the importance of living authentically. He has been a strong supporter of marriage equality, not just symbolically but through his own lived experience. He and Robierb often express gratitude for the legal and social progress that allowed them to marry publicly and proudly.

Champion frequently shares messages about compassion, partnership, and the significance of being true to oneself—a message that resonates deeply with audiences who admire not only his career but also the integrity with which he lives his life.