Savannah Guthrie knows firsthand the challenges of stepping into someone else’s shoes, especially 

when those shoes belong to a beloved and iconic figure. 

This week, as Guthrie co-anchors *Today* alongside Craig Melvin, she reflects on her own journey to the co-anchor desk, 

a journey that began under much different circumstances.

Guthrie, 53, is no stranger to change. 

The latest shift in *Today*’s lineup marks a new era for the popular NBC morning show. 

Craig Melvin, 45, officially took over as the co-anchor for the first and second hours of the program on January 13, after longtime co-host Hoda Kotb bid farewell on January 10 after a remarkable 17-year run. 

Guthrie’s own transition into the co-anchor role happened back in 2012, and it came amid a highly publicized departure. She was tapped to replace Ann Curry after Curry’s abrupt exit from the show, a move that was met with much controversy and emotional weight. In a recent interview with *Parade*, Guthrie opened up about the unexpected nature of her promotion and how she felt about stepping into the spotlight during such a turbulent time.

“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,” Guthrie admitted. “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. I was so afraid, and I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t last.”

At the time, Guthrie had already carved out a niche for herself on *Today*, anchoring the 9 a.m. hour after having made her mark as a White House correspondent and chief legal analyst for NBC News. It was a role she was happy with, and she didn’t expect her career to take a major shift. “All my dreams had already come true,” Guthrie reflected. “It didn’t need to get any better than that.”

When she was offered the co-anchor position, her emotions were a mix of shock and fear. “When I was offered the job, I was in tears,” she recalled. “And it wasn’t because I didn’t dream of this job like everyone else does. 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. I’m so happy that I survived and I’m still here.”

Now, more than a decade later, Guthrie is celebrating her 14th year with *Today* and has worked alongside some of the most recognizable figures in broadcast journalism, including her longtime co-host and close friend, Hoda Kotb. The two shared an undeniable chemistry, and Guthrie was by Kotb’s side as she signed off the show for the last time in an emotional farewell episode on January 10.

In the tribute to her colleague, Guthrie spoke from the heart. “When we thought about how best to celebrate you, Hoda, and what you’ve meant to all of us, it was really just one word — love,” Guthrie said through tears. “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 felt like a sister to her. “She’s so special, it’s almost beyond description,” Guthrie said. “Hoda, I love you. I love you deeply. 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.”

Guthrie’s words encapsulated the deep bond between the two women, and it’s clear that their relationship is built on more than just professional respect; it’s rooted in genuine love and friendship.

As the *Today* show ushers in a new era with the addition of Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie’s reflections on her own journey serve as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life, the bonds we form, and the strength it takes to rise to new challenges. Despite the initial fear and uncertainty, Guthrie has not only thrived in her role but has become an integral part of *Today*’s legacy, leaving a lasting impact on both the show and its viewers.

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