Savannah Guthrie Discusses Her Legacy on Today, Navigating Motherhood, and Hoda Kotb’s Departure

In 2008, a young Savannah Guthrie was serving as a White House correspondent for NBC when Today assigned her to cover Jenna Bush Hager’s wedding to her husband, Henry, in Crawford, Texas. “I found myself surrounded by fake hay bales,” Guthrie said with a laugh, admitting she had minimal information about the couple or the event. “[I was] reporting about Jenna and Henry with almost no details. We’ve looked back at that moment together and shared a good laugh,” she adds. “Jenna said, ‘Oh my gosh, you didn’t know anything!’”

The Arizona native, now 53, never envisioned that 16 years later, she’d be working alongside Hager — whom she describes as “one of her closest friends” — or that she would be co-anchoring the leading morning show on TV. “I still have those ‘pinch me’ moments,” she says, referencing her two children (daughter Vale, 10, and son Charley, 8) with her husband of nearly 11 years, consultant Michael Feldman. “Most days, when I walk into the plaza lit up, I can’t believe this is my life. I grew up watching shows like this; Katie Couric was my role model. I was just a girl from Tucson without any connections. I recognize how improbable and miraculous it is to be here.”

The busy journalist paused to share with Us about her new children’s book, Mostly What God Does is Love You (which follows her bestselling 2024 essay collection, Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere), the recent exit of her longtime co-anchor Hoda Kotb, and her decision to never write a memoir.

What’s it like being one of the most influential women in television?

This isn’t about false modesty, but I genuinely don’t see myself that way. However, I do feel extraordinarily lucky to be part of TV. I believe that our show is both relevant and important, and I get to play a small role in that for now. It’s gratifying to be involved in something meaningful. I’m biased, but Today is the best workplace in television. It’s joyful, endlessly fascinating, and I adore the people I work with.

Do you feel a sense of responsibility when you sit in that chair every morning?

Absolutely. You are building upon the accomplishments of those before you, including Barbara Walters, who was among the first female broadcasters to break barriers. Hoda and I used to discuss that frequently. Jane Pauley, Katie, Ann [Curry] — all of these women have paved the way for us. It’s a significant responsibility to follow in their footsteps.

Do you still experience nervousness on the job?

When I sit down and the lights come on, I don’t get nervous; it’s “Let’s go.” However, I do feel anxious before major interviews. My husband even jokes, “Oh my gosh, stay clear of her!” He often slides snacks under the door while I have my notes organized.

What interview made you feel that way?

I recently interviewed Bill Gates, which is daunting because there’s so much to cover in just seven minutes. You can prepare all you want, but you never know how the conversation will unfold.

How challenging is it to get people to open up during interviews?

Some discussion topics are easier for people to engage with than others. Interviews where it feels like someone is evading a question definitely add pressure. I find myself in confrontational situations quite a bit, especially with politicians, even though I prefer a non-confrontational approach. But in that moment, the job takes precedence, and I need to get the answers.

Having been on the show for nearly 13 years, what have been some highlights?

From covering the White House and the State of the Union to interviewing presidents and anchoring election night, these are milestones every journalism student dreams of. Additionally, I was born in Australia, and while I have no memories of my time there, Today sent me back with my mother, allowing me to experience it for the first time. They even located the hospital and room where I was born.

Do you ever feel like, “I can’t believe this is my life?”

I do often. By the way, I was not a great student in high school. I barely attended and graduated with average grades. There was nothing about me that indicated I would achieve great things, so I understand where I began.

The Today crew feels like a family. What role do you play in it?

I probably have a big sister persona. Carson [Daly] is my mischievous little brother, while Craig [Melvin] embodies the cool older brother who shares game insights and strong opinions. Then there’s Al [Roker], the wild uncle, and Hoda, who’s certainly our cheerleader.

Hoda left in January. Can you recall when she shared her decision with you?

I was at a wedding overseas when she called. I told my husband, “Hoda wants to speak with me, and I’m at the airport. This can’t be good.” I had a strong suspicion about what it might concern.

How do you feel about her departure?

I’m heartbroken, but I’m also incredibly proud of her. It takes guts to leave something beloved at the peak of success and declare, “I’m pursuing a bigger dream.” She said, “I turned 60 and could continue this wonderful job effortlessly for another decade, but I want to take a risk.” Luckily, the perfect person was ready to slide into her position, and [Craig] has done so seamlessly.

Do you think Hoda misses the show?

I texted her recently to ask, “Are you still waking up at this hour?” She replied, “Yes.” I’m sure she misses all of us, but she seems genuinely happy.

Did her leaving prompt any reflections on your future with Today?

What’s clear to me now is that I have the best job with the best people, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. We’re engaged in important work that is also fun. The future is unknown, but I’m content as I am.

You attended law school. Do you envision returning to that field or pursuing politics?

Absolutely not! If I ever do, please remind me of this statement and then steer me towards something extreme, like a moving train. [Laughs.]

Your bond with Jenna has deepened considerably. Can you share about your friendship?

We started as neighbors living right next to each other, and our kids attended the same school. We cherished moments spent in and out of each other’s homes daily. Her son [Hal, 5] is my godson, our husbands are friends, and we travel together. It’s been a delightful surprise in my life.

Jenna mentioned she has faced some backlash from Henry regarding revealing too much about him on the show.

He’s a great sport about it. If I were on [Today with Jenna & Friends], I’d probably share all sorts of things about my husband! We tend to avoid discussing our personal lives on our show. [Michael] isn’t keen when I mention his snoring; he tends to roll his eyes. Now that my kids are older, they might hear from peers, “Oh, your mom talked about you,” so I’m becoming more cautious — especially since my daughter finds my very existence embarrassing.

What motivated you to write your children’s book?

As a mom of young kids, I’ve read tons of bedtime stories, and I thought, “This is a sweet, gentle book conveying a message we all need to hear.” I imagine tired parents reading it to their children, or kids considering how small they are and how immensely God loves them.

Do you have a favorite line from the book?

One of my favorites is, “He is big and you are small, but you are never too small for him.”

How significant is faith in your family?

I want my children to cultivate a relationship with God. I understand how valuable that connection is, especially as a mom. There will be times I can’t protect my children. [I want them to know] that God will always be there for them. I don’t impose religion on my kids. Coming from a multifaith background, my husband is Jewish. However, I feel it’s crucial to include God in our discussions. So yes, we attend church, and yes, this is what Mommy believes, but eventually, they’ll choose their path.

Do you feel you’ve achieved a balance between work and parenting?

Yes and no. Ask me on a Sunday afternoon, and my answer will be no — I’m probably shouting “no!” because there are times when it’s overwhelming. I don’t aim for a perfectly balanced life because I know that’s unrealistic. There are phases where my work takes the forefront, and during times when I can step back, I focus entirely on my children. Nonetheless, I do appreciate the constant presence and rhythm our lives currently have.

Do you often experience mom guilt?

All the time. I wish it wasn’t part of the experience, but it is for me. Thoughts like “Should I have spent more time [with them]?” or “Did I get frustrated too quickly?” or “Should I enforce stricter rules when they only want to eat beige food?” haunt me. I want to avoid spoiling my children. Reframing this to approach it from a perspective of intentionality and mindfulness can be beneficial.

Absolutely!

I’m embracing that. It’s all about caring and thinking, “How can I improve? How can I be a better mom? How can I contribute to raising these children to become kind and generous, contributing members of society?” I’m not concerned about whether they attend a prestigious college or accumulate wealth; I want them to discover their purpose and to be compassionate, good people. The world needs more of such individuals.

You’ve spoken about becoming a mom later in life. Did you ever worry about running out of time?

For a long time, I did. After my divorce at 36, which wasn’t long after I got married, I felt a huge disappointment. I was convinced I had lost my chance at happiness and ruined my life. All I ever wanted was to fall in love, be a mom, and build a family. It might not be trendy to admit, but it’s the truth; I wanted a meaningful life, but I prioritized family.

What advice would you give to women who feel their time is limited?

Trust that things often occur at the right time, albeit perhaps not according to your timeline. I cannot guarantee that anyone will have children at 44 as I did; that was truly a miracle. But why not retain hope? Why not have faith? In Spanish, the words for waiting and hoping are synonymous. I often ponder how waiting and hoping intertwine. If you can embrace that waiting period with joy and optimism — even if you don’t receive everything you desire — you will have spent your time wisely.

Would you ever consider writing a memoir?

Firstly, I’m not particularly invested in my life. [Laughs.] Secondly, my memory isn’t that great! I recall significant events in broad strokes, but the running joke on Today is that a notable celebrity comes on, and I’ll turn to Hoda or Craig and say, “I wonder what they’re like; I’ve never met them.” Then they’ll roll the footage, and I think, “Oh, you’ve done a long interview with them.” It all becomes a blur.

What legacy would you like to leave on Today?

No one has asked me that before, which is exciting — but also a sign I’m getting older! [Laughs.] I’m not sure. I hope it reflects my care for the show during the time I had a direct influence.

For more on Guthrie, check out the exclusive video above and grab the latest edition of Us Weekly — available now.