Savannah Guthrie Reflects on Her Emotional Journey as Today Show Co-Anchor Alongside Craig Melvin

On February 9, 2023, Savannah Guthrie, a veteran journalist and co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, opened up about her journey in one of the most coveted roles in morning television. Now in her 14th year with the program, Guthrie, 53, has seen the show through periods of transition, triumph, and emotional farewells. This week marked a new chapter for Today, as Guthrie welcomed Craig Melvin, 45, as her new full-time co-anchor for the show’s first and second hours, starting January 13, 2025. The change followed the departure of Hoda Kotb, who stepped down after 17 years, concluding her tenure with a tearful farewell on January 10. In a recent interview with Parade, Guthrie reflected on her own rocky start in the co-anchor role back in 2012, the emotional weight of Kotb’s exit, and her hopes for the future alongside Melvin. This article explores Guthrie’s journey, the challenges she faced, and the bonds that have defined her time on Today.

A New Era for Today with Craig Melvin

The Today show, a staple of American morning television since 1952, has long been known for its dynamic anchor teams and its ability to adapt to changing times. The transition to Craig Melvin as co-anchor marks the latest evolution in the show’s history. Melvin, who joined Today in 2018 as a news anchor and later became a co-host of the third hour, brings a warm and relatable presence to the first two hours of the program. His promotion to co-anchor alongside Guthrie was announced after Hoda Kotb decided to step down to focus on her family and new ventures, including her podcast and children’s books.

Guthrie and Melvin, who have worked together on Today for years, share a natural chemistry that has been evident in their on-air interactions. In November 2024, the pair co-hosted a segment together, showcasing their ability to balance hard news with lighthearted moments—a hallmark of Today’s appeal. Fans of the show have expressed excitement about the new lineup, with one viewer commenting on Instagram, “Savannah and Craig are such a great team! They bring the perfect mix of professionalism and fun.” As they settle into their roles, Guthrie and Melvin are poised to continue Today’s legacy of delivering news, entertainment, and human-interest stories to millions of viewers each morning.

Stepping into the Spotlight: Guthrie’s Emotional Start in 2012

Guthrie’s journey to becoming a mainstay on Today was anything but smooth. In 2012, she was thrust into the co-anchor role following the abrupt departure of Ann Curry, a beloved anchor whose exit was marred by controversy and behind-the-scenes turmoil at NBC. Curry’s departure, reportedly due to tensions with co-anchor Matt Lauer and pressure from network executives, left the Today show in a state of upheaval. Guthrie, who had joined Today in 2011 as the anchor of the 9 a.m. hour after serving as a White House correspondent and chief legal analyst for NBC News, was unexpectedly tapped to replace Curry.

Reflecting on that time in her Parade interview, Guthrie admitted that the promotion was far from a joyous occasion. “I came at a time of a lot of controversy for the show, and it wasn’t, I don’t think, a happy occasion, really—for anyone, including me,” she said. At the time, Guthrie was content with her role in the 9 a.m. hour, a position she viewed as the fulfillment of her career dreams. “All my dreams had already come true,” she told Parade. “It didn’t need to get any better than that.”

The sudden promotion to co-anchor filled Guthrie with fear and self-doubt. “I was as terrified as I could possibly be because the bosses at the time had made a decision, and I quite literally was the last to know,” she recalled. “I was so afraid, and I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t last.” The pressure of stepping into Curry’s role, combined with the public scrutiny surrounding the transition, weighed heavily on Guthrie. She remembered being in tears when offered the job—not out of joy, but out of fear that she wouldn’t measure up. “I was sure that it wouldn’t last and that I’d be thrown by the wayside within a few weeks or months,” she said. Yet, against her own expectations, Guthrie not only survived but thrived, becoming a cornerstone of Today for over a decade.

An Emotional Farewell to Hoda Kotb

Guthrie’s longevity on Today allowed her to forge deep bonds with her colleagues, none more significant than her friendship with Hoda Kotb. Kotb, who joined Today as a co-host of the fourth hour in 2008 and later became co-anchor of the first two hours in 2018, was a constant presence in Guthrie’s professional life. The two women shared countless early mornings, covering everything from breaking news to heartwarming human-interest stories, and their on-air chemistry resonated with viewers. Off-screen, their friendship grew even stronger, with Guthrie describing Kotb as “like a sister to me.”

When Kotb announced her departure in late 2024, citing a desire to spend more time with her daughters, Haley and Hope, whom she adopted in 2017 and 2019, the news was met with an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike. Kotb’s final episode on January 10, 2025, was an emotional affair, filled with tributes from the Today team and celebrity guests. Guthrie, who had worked alongside Kotb for her entire 14-year tenure, led the farewell tribute with a heartfelt speech that left few dry eyes in the studio.

“When we thought how best to celebrate you, Hoda, and what you’ve meant to all of us, it was really just one word—love,” Guthrie said, her voice breaking with emotion. “You are love. And we love you. You’re all about it. We’re so inspired by you every day.” She went on to describe Kotb as “the ultimate people person” and someone who is “so special, it’s almost beyond description.” Guthrie’s words captured the essence of Kotb’s impact on Today—her warmth, authenticity, and ability to connect with everyone she met.

The tribute was a deeply personal moment for Guthrie, who emphasized the enduring nature of their friendship. “Hoda, I love you. I love you deeply,” she said. “And like I always tell you, whether you’re sitting next to me or not, whether we get up at 4 o’clock in the morning together or not, I will always be by your side and you will always be by mine.” The segment ended with a montage of Kotb’s best moments on Today, set to music, as the two women shared a tearful embrace. For viewers, it was a poignant reminder of the human connections that make morning television so compelling.

Looking Ahead: Guthrie and Melvin’s Partnership

As Guthrie embarks on this new chapter with Craig Melvin, she brings with her a wealth of experience and a renewed sense of gratitude for her role on Today. Her journey from a terrified newcomer in 2012 to a seasoned anchor in 2025 is a testament to her resilience and dedication. While the circumstances of her promotion were challenging, Guthrie has proven herself to be a steady hand, guiding Today through periods of transition and maintaining its position as a leader in morning television.

Melvin, for his part, is no stranger to the pressures of the co-anchor role. Having filled in alongside Guthrie on numerous occasions, he has earned the trust of both the Today team and its audience. His background as a news anchor, combined with his approachable demeanor, makes him a natural fit for the first two hours, which often balance hard news with lighter lifestyle segments. Together, Guthrie and Melvin are poised to build on the legacy of their predecessors, including Kotb, while bringing their own unique dynamic to the show.

The Legacy of Today and Guthrie’s Role in It

Savannah Guthrie’s 14 years on Today have been marked by moments of joy, challenge, and profound connection. Her emotional start in 2012, born out of fear and uncertainty, has given way to a tenure defined by stability and authenticity. Her friendship with Hoda Kotb, and now her partnership with Craig Melvin, reflect the collaborative spirit that has long defined Today. As the show moves into a new era, Guthrie remains a steady presence, a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of human connection in the fast-paced world of morning television.

For Guthrie, the journey has been one of growth and gratitude. “I’m so happy that I survived and I’m still here,” she told Parade. As she continues to anchor Today, alongside Melvin, she carries with her the lessons of her early days—the fear, the tears, and the determination to prove herself—while embracing the love and camaraderie that have made her time on the show so meaningful. For viewers, Guthrie’s story is a reminder of the human stories behind the headlines, a fitting legacy for a show that has been a part of American mornings for over seven decades.

Sources: Parade interview (February 9, 2023), NBC News announcements, Today show broadcasts (January 2025).