Good Morning America anchor George Stephanopoulos and his wife, actress-comedian Ali Wentworth, are navigating a devastating blow — one that arrived mere days after they celebrated one of the happiest milestones in their family’s life: their daughter’s college graduation.
On Wednesday, May 28, Ali, 60, revealed on Instagram that the family had lost their cherished dog, Cooper — a loyal companion she described as an irreplaceable member of their home. The emotional announcement turned what had been a week of proud celebration into one of raw grief and remembrance.
“I lost my longtime companion,” Ali wrote beneath a montage of photos capturing Cooper’s life. “The greatest dog and integral part of our family.”
In her moving tribute, Ali recounted Cooper’s legendary personality: swimming after a massive elk in a pond, cheekily surviving an entire bottle of melatonin, and stealing Christmas candy like a seasoned professional. She remembered the simple but unforgettable moments too — him sleeping at the foot of their bed, dreaming of running, greeting every human with unapologetic affection.
“Cooper was unconditionally adored by all,” she wrote. “I will miss him with all my heart. See you on the other side, Coop. We still have many squirrels to chase…”
The post sparked a wave of support from Ali’s celebrity circle.
Beth Ostrosky Stern reminisced about a shared memory: “Cooper helped me rescue that gull on the beach… the bestest boy!!!!”
Jennifer Garner commented: “A special kind of heartbreak 💔.”
Sean Hayes added: “Aww. I loved him. So sorry honey!”
Julianne Moore echoed the sentiments: “Oh no Ali. I’m so sorry.”George Stephanopoulos gives ‘GMA’ shoutout to daughter Harper as she turns 20 amid tough week for family.
And Demi Moore wrote warmly: “Sending you all love… they are truly the most heart-expanding gift.”
Later that day, Ali posted a second tribute — a tender video of Cooper enjoying family life with George, 64, and their two daughters: Elliott, 21, and Harper, 19.
The timing made the loss even more poignant.
Only days earlier, on Sunday, May 25, the family had celebrated Elliott’s graduation from Brown University. Ali captioned the joyful moment with her trademark humor:
“She did it! Happy graduation to an incredible human being who has her father’s brain and my legs. And if it was the other way around — she’d be screwed. Proud parents! All our children deserve an education!”
George also commemorated the milestone, writing:
“We have a college graduate!!! Congratulations to Elliott, and to the entire class of 2025. We love you and are so proud of you, E!”
He later reflected on the emotional weekend live on Good Morning America:
“Elliott had a great weekend. She graduated from Brown on Sunday. She was all smiles all weekend long — and we are so proud of her.”
This bittersweet moment comes on the heels of earlier transitions the family faced. In August 2023, when they dropped their younger daughter Harper off at college, Ali admitted the shift was unexpectedly difficult.
“We dropped our baby off at college,” she wrote. “Everyone is saying she’s ready to launch! But… I don’t think I’m ready!”
She recalled missing the classic daily rhythms — cooking pasta, picking up wet towels, breathing in her daughter’s scent — calling the change “brutal on the parents.”
Now, in a single week marked by both joy and sorrow, the Stephanopoulos–Wentworth family’s story has resonated deeply with fans. Their experience serves as a powerful reminder: life can pivot from celebration to heartbreak in an instant, but love — in all its forms — remains the throughline.
