T.J. Holmes Credits Amy Robach for 'Literally Helping Save My Life' amid His 'Darkest Days' 

When T.J. Holmes joinedGMA3in September 2023, it should have been cause for celebration. But the career milestone was clouded by one of the darkest periods of his life.

During the most recent episode of their podcastAmy & T.J., which was filmed live in New York City on June 10, the formerGMA3host, 46, discussed that difficult time, which included struggles with alcohol, depression and suicidal thoughts. At the one point, his mental health was in such a bad place, Holmes said he found himself sleeping on a street bench at night.

“I didn't realize how bad off I was,” he said. “I would walk back and forth in the middle of the night, because I didn't want to go home, and I would just walk the streets. … In Manhattan there's a bench on 14th street, just west of Union Square, where I have actually slept at night. I was the best-dressed homeless man you have ever seen in your life.”

Robach, seeing him “the way nobody else was,” helped pull him out of his depression by introducing him to running. “She wouldn’t let me slide on anything,” he says. “I credit her for literally helping save my life.”

For her part, Robach, 51, was humble about the role she played during Holmes’ “darkest days.”

“You saved your life. You did, and we became best friends,” she said to Holmes. “We were good friends, but once we started co-anchoring that show together, and it was amazing to watch you transform to be the best version of yourself. And I knew your heart, and I knew your beautiful mind, and I knew you were struggling. Sometimes, you just need a friend. Sometimes, you just need one person to believe in you.”

The pair put in long hours on GMA3, starting in the office at 5 a.m. and working side-by-side until 11 p.m.

“We'd leave the studio, go for a run on the West Side Highway, a training run, and then … have a beer after the run,” Holmes recalled. “This was happening day after day after day. An -

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d so, my good friend became my best friend, and then became everything.”

Holmes and Robach’s relationship eventually became public in November 2022. Holmes and his ex Marilee Fiebigsettled their divorceseveral weeks later, while Robach later finalized her divorce from Andrew Shuein March, according toPage Six.

Days after making their red carpet debut as a coupleat iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball in December 2023, the couple launched their podcast Amy & T.J., which has become a platform for them to discuss their relationship, even going so far as to talk through their “communication kinks,” and interview guests such asGavin Rossdale,Rachel Platten,Cheryl Burke, Larsa Pippen andLisa Niemi Swayze.

The couple’s bond now seems stronger than ever. Robach expressed a desire during anAmy & T.J.episode in Februaryto elope to Fijifor her third wedding; during anApril episodeof their podcast, the two casually spoke about engagement rings, and while they covered the topic of marriage, both admitted they haven’t figured out whether a wedding is in their future.

What Robach and Holmes know for certain is that their love was worth the risk, despite the setbacks they’ve faced and mistakes they've made,Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“The journey that's brought us here in front of you, we can be grateful for,” Holmes said at the June 10 event, adding, “When that rare thing happens in — maybe it's love — but when it's right there in front of you, life is too short, you have to go for it.”

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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