‘Good Morning America’ co-host Lara Spencer was as bubbly as ever March 20 as she revealed
Antonio Banderas was putting Hollywood on the back burner to study fashion.

“He’s going for it, good for him!” cheered Lara. But despite her sunny demeanor, she was keeping a painful secret that would make headlines the next day: Her marriage of 15 years was over.

On March 21, Lara, 45, and her husband, real estate broker David Haffenreffer, 47, announced they were splitting up.

lara spencer husband

Lara and David in September 2012.

“It’s a sad decision that did not come easily,” said the couple, “especially because we love each other and our children.” While an insider says there is no animosity, the couple have been growing apart for some time. “Laura is working 70 hours a week,” says a friend. “She’s very ambitious and something had to give. It ended up being her marriage.”

Related: Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin Defend Their Marriage Amid Divorce Rumors

That wasn’t always the case. When their relationship blossomed, Lara was a reporter for WABC-TV in NYC and David was a contributor to CNN. The two would scour flea markets for hidden treasures, marrying in Southampton, NY, in 2000 because, Lara said, “That’s where our courtship began and where it continues.”

Back then, says an insider, “they really enjoyed each other’s company.” But things changed as Lara’s career took off.

To read the full story on Lara, pick up the new issue of ‘Closer Weekly,’ on newsstands now!