A Life-Changing Moment Amidst Controversy
Imagine getting the call that changes your life forever. For Savannah Guthrie, that call came in 2012 when she was told she would be co-anchoring on Today. It was a moment of excitement, but also one filled with anxiety, especially since it followed a tumultuous period for the show after Ann Curry’s departure. In a candid interview with Parade, alongside Craig Melvin, Savannah shared her feelings about stepping into such a high-profile role.
Savannah, now 53, reflected on the challenges of joining Today at a time when the show was dealing with significant controversy. "It wasn’t a happy occasion, really—for anyone, including me," she said. "I was terrified. The decision had been made by the bosses, and I was the last to know. I feared I wouldn’t last long, and I was pretty convinced I’d be out within weeks or months."
Despite her fears, Savannah knew she had already achieved so much. "All my dreams had already come true," she explained. "Working on the third hour of Today was more than I could have asked for. I didn’t need anything else."
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Shakeup and New Beginnings
Savannah stepped into Ann Curry's anchor seat in 2012, joining Matt Lauer at the news desk. According to Today.com, this change was part of an effort to boost the show’s ratings, which had been declining. Former NBC News President Steve Capus praised Savannah at the time, saying, "In just a few short years, Savannah has become a standout member of the news division as well as the ultimate team player. Her range is undeniable, and she’s earned the trust of the news community, her colleagues, and our viewers alike. I couldn’t be happier for Savannah and the entire Today team."
Despite the praise, Savannah admitted she wasn’t sure how long she’d last. "When I was offered the job, I was in tears," she revealed in her interview with Parade. "It wasn’t because I didn’t dream of this job like everyone else does. It was because I was certain it wouldn’t last. I’m so grateful that I survived and I’m still here."
Ann Curry Reflects on Her Departure
Eight years after Savannah’s promotion, Ann Curry, now 68, spoke candidly about her abrupt exit from the show. In an interview with Elle in September 2020, she admitted, "I still don’t really understand. I know I did nothing wrong. I know I was good at my job." She added, "They say where there’s smoke, there’s fire. You can read the tea leaves. But you know, I’m a fact-based reporter, so it’s hard for me to go out there with something so close to the vest. I don’t know. I don’t know."
After leaving Today, Ann stayed with NBC until 2015. In a January 2018 interview with People, she reflected on her experience: "I can say today I’m stronger now. I’m smarter. I’m happier, as happy as I’ve ever been. And my compassion has only grown. When you go through the pain and learn the lessons, you will be changed for the better."
Today, Savannah remains a beloved fixture on Today, with Craig Melvin, 45, joining her at the news desk as her coanchor on January 13, following longtime cohost Hoda Kotb’s departure. "We’re so sad to see [Hoda] go," Savannah said. "But we’re also overjoyed because Craig is stepping in to fill her shoes, and I can’t think of anyone more perfect for that role."
