Natalie Barr Breaks Down Over Kids Moving Away

was left visibly emotional during Friday's episode of Sunrise after taking part in a heartfelt Mother's Day segment.

The TV host - who shares sons Hunter, 19, and Lachlan, 23, with husband Andrew Thompson - took part in a candid sit-down with her mother Julie to reflect on the realities of parenthood and the challenges that come with raising children.

As part of the special segment, Barr, co-host , newsreader David Woiwod and weather presenter each interviewed their mothers in a series of personal one-on-one conversations.

Barr's exchange with her mother proved particularly touching when she asked Julie what she believed was the most difficult aspect of motherhood.

'I think it's when everybody grows up and moves away, as you're finding out now,' Julie replied, referring to Barr's sons Lachlan and Hunter, who have both recently moved out of home.

Fighting back tears, Barr responded: 'Yeah, I don't think many people talk about when they move away.'

Back in the studio, both Barr and Shirvington appeared emotional after the prerecorded package aired.

'Wow. If we weren't crying before, we're crying now. Love you mum,' Shirvington said.

Still visibly tearful, Barr added: 'Thank you to our mums, that was gorgeous. And unexpected answers I got, did you get unexpected answers too?'

Fans have since commented on a clip of the segment posted to Sunrise's Instagram page, with one fan writing: 'Awwwwww Nat! You're so gorgeous. And a beautiful mother, I have no doubt.' 

'Awww Nat you made me cry,' another added, as someone else wrote: 'So beautiful… I'm in tears. Lovely segment.'

It comes after Natalie spoke about how she was adjusting to life as an empty nester back in 2024, telling Who magazine that she was 'mourning' her sons' childhood. 

At the time, her youngest son Hunter had moved to Canberra to start university, while her eldest son Lachlan was living in Melbourne while studying. 

'It would be fair to say that I did sit around and mope a fair bit the first few months not really knowing what to do and eating a bit too much chocolate,' she said.