Robin Roberts to christen new Goodyear blimp in Ohio next month

AKRON, Ohio, July 25 (UPI) -- Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts has been chosen to christen the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's newest blimp -- Wingfoot One -- in Suffield, Ohio.

The event is to take place Aug. 23.

Among the other accomplished women who have christened previous Goodyear airships are astronaut Dr. Sally Ride and aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart.

"We are honored and delighted to have Robin continue our proud tradition of christening the Goodyear blimp," Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "In addition to being a supremely talented broadcaster, Robin has a family legacy with Goodyear and Akron. The combination of her personal connection to our city and company, her distinguished professional achievements and charitable works makes Robin an ideal choice to christen our newest icon."

"This is incredibly meaningful to my family," said Roberts. "My great grandfather moved his family from down south to Akron in 1918 to work for Goodyear. Never could he have imagined that one day one of his descendants would be asked to christen the blimp. I'm very honored."

In addition to her great grandfather, Roberts' grandfather, William Tolliver, also worked at Goodyear. Her late mother, Lucimarian Roberts, was born in Akron and graduated from East High School, a few blocks away from Goodyear's headquarters, the company noted. Roberts also has a family connection to aviation through her late father, Lawrence E. Roberts, who served in the U.S. military for more than 30 years.