Sara Haines Tears Up on The View Discussing Father-in-Law's Death
The View co-host shared the heartbreaking reason for her recent absence, prompted by cryptic comments from her colleagues.
Sara Haines returned to "The View" on Thursday and tearfully revealed that her father-in-law had passed away, explaining the reason behind her recent mysterious absence from the talk show.
Haines, 48, shared that her father-in-law had been in hospice for a week, and his passing came after a period of anticipation. "I think the second that landed, it kind of allowed a load you're carrying for so long to just gush out," she said, visibly emotional.
Her husband, Max Shifrin, had been away tending to his father, leaving Haines to care for their three children: sons Alec, ten, and Caleb, seven, and daughter Sandra, eight. "He's finally back, and we're pouring love into him," Haines said of her husband, describing his father as "the most important person in Max's life" and "Max's north star."
Haines clarified that she found out about her father-in-law's death right before the show on Wednesday, addressing the cryptic comments made by co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar during that day's broadcast. Behar had stated that Haines "was not sick," while Goldberg suggested she "may or may not be back on Thursday."
"You made it sound scandalous," co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin commented on Behar and Goldberg's remarks. Haines added, "You made it sound so interesting, I almost didn't want to ruin it with the truth." Behar explained their intention was to inform the audience that Haines was not absent due to illness, stating, "People get worried when someone disappears."
Haines's return and explanation came just days after "The View" began its 30th season on September 8.
Haines's co-hosts offered their support following her emotional revelation. Behar joked that their earlier comments had unintentionally created intrigue, saying, "You know, you try to do something good, and this is what you get. No good deed goes unpunished."