Why Lauren Sanchez struggled to hold back tears on TV

Lauren Sanchez stepped onto the couch of the “Today” show looking polite and collected, but beneath the glamor was a deeply personal story.

The newly married author appeared in New York to promote her latest children’s book, “The Fly That Flew Under the Sea,” and found herself holding back tears as she talked about dyslexia, motherhood and a moment in marriage that changed her forever.

For Sanchez, the conversation went well beyond a book launch.

Lauren Sanchez opens up about her dyslexia diagnosis

Speaking on the ‘Today’ show, Lauren Sanchez revealed that she didn’t discover she had dyslexia until she was 19.

For years before, she struggled quietly, admitting she hid it rather than facing it.

The turning point came at the community college when a teacher named Lori noticed something was wrong.

According to the former journalist, the instructor encouraged her to get tested after reassuring her: “You’re not stupid, she just doesn’t know how to spell.” This validation was life-changing.

Now 56, Sanchez says understanding her learning difference reframed her entire academic journey.

Instead of internalizing the shame, she began to see how her brain simply worked differently.

Her emotional reflection on the “Today” show made it clear that the pain of those early years persisted, as did the gratitude to the teacher who pushed her to find answers.

Sanchez almost cries while sharing her son Evan’s story

During the interview, Lauren Sanchez became visibly emotional while discussing a highlight of her June 2025 wedding to Jeff Bezos.

She shared that her children gave speeches at the celebration in Venice, but she had no idea what her son, Evan Whitesell, would say when he took the mic.

Evan, who also has dyslexia, spoke of a childhood memory from fourth grade where he struggled with spelling in class, but he told himself, “I can do this.”

Sanchez said the story became the “most meaningful and impactful” moment of her marriage, in addition to her marriage to husband Jeff Bezos.

The phrase resonated so deeply that she now keeps a sign in her home that says “I can do it.” For Sanchez, this symbolizes resilience, not only in academics, but also in life.

She also shared that her daughter, Ella Whitesell, the “artist of the family,” will soon be going to college, marking another emotional milestone.

Lauren Sanchez encourages parents to read to their children

Beyond her family history, Sanchez has used the platform to promote literacy and connection.

While discussing her second children’s book, she offered advice to fellow parents. “I want to remind parents to read to their children,” noted the mother of three.

She emphasized that even dedicating 10 minutes can make a difference, explaining that when parents read aloud, “you release what’s called oxytocin and your child releases it…it’s so important.”

His new book, “The Fly That Flew Under the Sea,” illustrated by Raleigh Stewart, follows Flynn the fly, who accidentally veers off course en route to Cape Canaveral and discovers an underwater world instead.

The story highlights curiosity, resilience and appreciation for the environment, incorporating STEM themes and even an underwater glossary. It follows his 2024 bestseller, “The Fly that Flew to Space.”

Sanchez shares Met Gala news, wedding details

The conversation also touched on Lauren Sanchez’s turbulent year. She revealed that Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour personally called her and Bezos to ask them to host and sponsor the 2026 Met Gala.

According to Sanchez, Wintour also presented the theme “Fashion as Art.”

This level of influence corresponds to the scale of one’s own marriage. The 56-year-old married Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in June 2025 at a private venue in Venice.

The celebration reportedly cost around $50 million and attracted more than 200 guests, including Mick Jagger, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sydney Sweeney, Jerry Seinfeld, Orlando Bloom, Jessica Alba, Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump and Brooks Nader.

It also attracted members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, such as Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner and Kris Jenner. Despite the spectacle, it was his son’s words that caught the most attention.

Lauren Sanchez turns heads while promoting her book

Before he even entered the studio, Sanchez found a creative way to showcase his new release.

She carried a structured white handbag with the cover of “The Fly Who Flew Under The Sea” printed on the front.

The handbag, with a bamboo handle, served as both an accessory and advertising.

Her outfit was equally eye-catching. Sanchez wore a fitted white skirt suit with a belted waist, bow, front pockets and long sleeves.

The calf-length skirt featured a soft ruffle at the hem. She paired the look with pointy white Louboutin heels and black round sunglasses, even in the rain, adding a layer of bold glamour.