When Savannah Guthrie became co-anchor of *Today* in 2012, it marked a significant moment in her career, 

but one that came with its fair share of uncertainty and emotional turmoil. 

In a candid interview with *Parade* magazine published on January 17, Guthrie reflected on how she took on the coveted role during a tumultuous period for the iconic morning show.

Guthrie, now 53, joined *Today* in 2011 as the show’s chief legal correspondent, and she quickly made a mark as the anchor of the 9 a.m. hour. 

However, her transition to co-anchor of the entire show was not an easy one. 

In fact, it came at a time when the show was in the midst of controversy, following the departure of Ann Curry. 

Curry’s exit, which took place in 2012, was clouded by rumors surrounding her alleged lack of chemistry with co-host Matt Lauer, which contributed to *Today*’s declining ratings. While the network cited ratings as the reason for the change, the departure was deeply personal for Curry, who expressed her pain on air, saying, “I’m sorry I couldn’t carry the ball over the finish line.”

In the interview, Guthrie recalled the anxiety she felt when she was first asked to step into Curry’s role. “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 shared. Despite being thrilled about the opportunity, Guthrie admitted that she was terrified. She confessed, “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, and I was so afraid, and I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t last.”

Guthrie’s initial reaction to the promotion was one of fear and doubt, rather than excitement. She explained that when she was offered the co-anchor position, she was “in tears,” not because she didn’t want the job, but because she feared that it was an opportunity that wouldn’t last. “It was because I was sure that it wouldn’t last and that I’d be thrown by the wayside within a few weeks or months,” Guthrie said. Now, looking back, she is proud of how far she’s come and grateful for the opportunity. “I’m so happy that I survived, and I’m still here,” she reflected.

Savannah Guthrie’s perseverance paid off, and her co-anchor role became a defining part of her career. She credits her success to a combination of hard work, dedication, and support from her colleagues. Craig Melvin, her current co-anchor, expressed admiration for Guthrie’s resilience, adding that she “thrived, not survived” in her role. “You’re so good at this,” he said, praising her for not only enduring the pressure but excelling in it.

Guthrie’s rise to co-anchor was part of a series of significant changes for the *Today* show. Following Curry’s departure, Guthrie took the reins, and the show began a period of reinvention. The *Today* show had already been dealing with internal drama, including the scandal surrounding Matt Lauer’s firing in 2017, which added further challenges to the role Guthrie was stepping into. 

For Guthrie, the job was a huge adjustment, but she took it in stride, often reflecting on how much she had learned over the years. She became a beloved figure on the show, known for her sharp wit, genuine warmth, and insightful interviewing style. Her continued success stands as a testament to her resilience and professionalism, as she has navigated the highs and lows of the public eye.

As for Ann Curry, her departure from *Today* still lingers in her heart. In a 2020 interview with *Elle*, Curry opened up about the pain she felt after being let go from the show, admitting that she still didn’t fully understand why she was dismissed. “I know I did nothing wrong. I know I was good at my job,” Curry said, expressing the hurt that continues to affect her. Despite the lingering pain, Curry remains focused on her career, moving forward and embracing new opportunities in journalism.

Today, Savannah Guthrie’s journey serves as an inspiring example of perseverance in the face of adversity. Her rise from legal correspondent to co-anchor of one of America’s most-watched morning shows has been nothing short of remarkable. With her talent, humility, and resilience, Guthrie has proven herself as a key figure in *Today*’s legacy, and her story continues to resonate with viewers.

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