Savannah Guthrie Got Candid About Becoming Today’s Co-Anchor In 2012 And Being ‘Sure That It Wouldn’t Last’

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Last week, Hoda Kotb bid farewell from The Today Show, an event that will long be remembered. Despite the tears, Savannah Guthrie shared memories of her early days as a morning anchor at NBC, which date back over a decade. Interestingly, the seasoned broadcaster and journalist had doubts about her longevity on Today, believing her tenure would be brief.

In the whirlwind of taking over as co-host alongside my longtime friend Savannah Guthrie on that legendary morning talk show, we’ve been warmly welcomed by viewers as we step into our new roles. You see, Savannah and I have known each other for quite some time, even before she moved to 30 Rock, and I was right here in Washington D.C. We had become acquainted long before Hoda Kotb’s departure set the TV world abuzz in 2025.

In a chat with Parade, Savannah and I reminisced about how we first crossed paths and gradually grew closer over the years. She even recalled the nerve-wracking moment when she got the call to replace Ann Curry back in 2012. It’s been an incredible journey thus far!

During a period of significant dispute surrounding the program, my arrival wasn’t exactly a joyous moment for anyone, including myself. To be honest, I was as petrified as one could be. The management had made a decision without informing me, and I was the last to find out. I was terrified, and I feared I wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Starting as a new main news anchor following Curry’s departure would have been a challenging time for anyone due to the uncertainty surrounding decisions made by superiors and not knowing much about what was going on. It must have been extremely stressful for Guthrie, potentially even triggering feelings of impostor syndrome.

Prior to her promotion, Guthrie served as the morning news anchor and chief legal correspondent at that time. She expressed that the opportunity seemed almost unbelievable, stating it this way: “Before my promotion, I was the 9 a.m. anchor and lead legal reporter. The prospect felt like something too good to be true.

All my dreams had already come true. It didn’t need to get any better than that.

Fortunately for her, things appear to be improving even after all these years, with a salary increase much like Melvin’s. However, it was unfortunate that she had to leave Kotb. I’m relieved that she and her new co-host already know each other, which should make the transition smoother for everyone involved.

The author of “Mostly What God Does” admitted that she cried upon receiving the offer not due to it being her aspiration, but out of apprehension about potentially being dismissed in the future. She also expressed her joy at continuing to be a part of “Today” today.

When I received the job offer, I found myself overcome with tears. Unlike many others, this wasn’t due to joyful anticipation of the role itself. Instead, I feared it wouldn’t endure, and I’d be discarded within a short period. But now, I’m thrilled that I’ve persevered and am still employed.

The last decade plus has been quite an exciting journey for the co-host as she landed her role! Now, it appears she’s found her footing comfortably, even though she was both surprised yet anticipating Kotb’s departure. It seems this transition, with its changes, won’t phase her, given her resilience. In a display of affection and support for their enduring friendship, beyond the professional sphere, she presented her ‘Today’ co-host with a pair of pom poms as a farewell gift.

Today has been well-managed long before 2012, but Savannah Guthrie hasn’t altered that in any way. Her lively and compassionate personality is what initially got her the job, and hopefully, she continues to understand that it’s also the key factor behind her enduring presence on the iconic morning show.

Watch Today on NBC at 7 A.M. on weekdays. Stream prior episodes with a Peacock subscription.

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2025-01-23 04:37