Why Lauren Sanchez Struggled To Hold Back Tears on TV

The newlywed author appeared in New York City to promote her latest children’s book, “The Fly Who Flew Under The Sea,” and found herself fighting back tears as she opened up about dyslexia, motherhood, and a wedding moment that changed her forever. 

For Sanchez, the conversation was about far more than a book launch.

Speaking on the “Today” show, Lauren Sanchez revealed that she did not discover she had dyslexia until she was 19 years old. 

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

The turning point came in community college when a teacher named Lori noticed something wasn’t adding up. 

According to the former journalist, the instructor encouraged her to get tested after reassuring her, “You’re not dumb, she just can’t spell.” That validation proved life-changing.

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

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

Her emotional reflection on the “Today” show made clear that the pain of those early years still lingered, but so did gratitude for the teacher who pushed her toward answers.

During the interview, Lauren Sanchez became visibly emotional while recalling a powerful moment from 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 microphone.

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

Sanchez said that the story became the “most meaningful and impactful” moment at her wedding, besides getting married to her husband, Jeff Bezos.

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

She also shared that her daughter, Ella Whitesell, the “artist in the family,” will soon head off to college, marking another emotional milestone.

Beyond her family story, Sanchez 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 kids,” the mom of three noted.

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

Her new book, “The Fly Who Flew Under The Sea,” illustrated by Raleigh Stewart, follows Flynn the fly, who accidentally veers off course on his way to Cape Canaveral and discovers an underwater world instead. 

The story highlights curiosity, resilience, and environmental appreciation, weaving in STEM themes and even an undersea glossary. It follows her 2024 bestseller, “The Fly Who Flew To Space.”

The conversation also touched on Lauren Sanchez’s whirlwind year. She revealed that Vogue editor 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.”

That level of influence matches the scale of her own wedding. The 56-year-old wed Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in June 2025 at a private venue in Venice. 

The celebration reportedly cost around $50 million and drew 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 drew members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, such as Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Kris Jenner. Despite the spectacle, it was her son’s words that lingered most.

Before even stepping into the studio, Sanchez found a creative way to spotlight her new release. 

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

The purse, complete with a bamboo handle, doubled as both accessory and advertisement.

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

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