Kate Garraway marked her 57th birthday on Saturday but woke up feeling melancholic as it was her first one without her husband Derek Draper.

Earlier this year, ITV presenter Kate Garraway announced the passing of her husband at age 56 after a challenging battle with Covid-related complications. Now facing various firsts without him, including planning a family holiday, Kate shared her birthday was tinged with sadness despite being surrounded by family.

Addressing her birthday on Good Morning Britain, Kate expressed a bittersweet sentiment, saying she was grateful to be alive after enduring a difficult period. Her co-stars sent warm wishes, with Ed Balls complimenting her cheerful appearance in a bright yellow floral dress.

While Kate seemed upbeat on the show, her Instagram post revealed a different emotion, admitting she nearly cried all day missing her late husband.

In a heartfelt caption alongside a video of her family singing happy birthday, Kate shared, "Well yesterday was another one of those sad 1st’s - my first birthday ???? since Derek’s passing. Woke up feeling so sad & thought well I can either cry all day or celebrate life as he did so well. And thanks to wonderful friends it worked! See you on @gmb tomorrow from 6 - happy bank holiday weekend everyone!"

Derek passed away in January after a severe battle with long Covid, leaving him comatose for two months with multiple health issues. Kate, along with their children Darcey, 18, and Billy, 14, cared for him through his illness, which was documented in the intimate film "Finding Derek."

Despite the financial strain from Derek's care, which cost £16,000 per month exceeding Kate's ITV salary, she remains optimistic and resilient, appearing bright and cheerful on the morning show amid her birthday.