Savannah Guthrie is no stranger to change, having navigated numerous transitions during her tenure on Today. 

Now, with the departure of longtime co-anchor Hoda Kotb, Guthrie finds herself adjusting to yet another shift—this time, 

alongside Craig Melvin, who has officially stepped into the role of full-time co-anchor.

A New Chapter Begins

The Today show kicked off a new era on January 13, when Craig Melvin, 45, officially joined Savannah Guthrie, 53, at the anchor desk for the first and second hours of the program. 

His appointment followed the emotional farewell of Hoda Kotb, who stepped down after an impressive 17-year run on the show.

Savannah was deeply moved by Hoda’s departure, as the two had built a strong bond over their years working together. During a heartfelt tribute, she expressed her admiration, saying, “When we thought how best to celebrate you, Hoda, and what you’ve meant to all of us, it was really just one word—love. You are love. And we love you. You’re all about it. We’re so inspired by you every day.”

Though change can be difficult, Savannah reassured her former co-host that their friendship would endure beyond the show. “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.”

Savannah Reflects on Her Own Unexpected Promotion

Savannah’s transition to co-anchor over a decade ago was far from smooth. Looking back on her own unexpected rise to the position in 2012, she recalled how unprepared she was for the sudden shift.

At the time, she was promoted following the controversial departure of Ann Curry, an event that garnered widespread public attention. Speaking candidly in an interview, Savannah admitted she was “the last to know” about the network’s decision and initially felt overwhelmed by the weight of the 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. “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.”

Although she had already established herself on the show as the host of the 9 a.m. hour and had an impressive background as a White House correspondent and chief legal analyst, she never expected to be thrust into the co-anchor position so suddenly.

“All my dreams had already come true. It didn’t need to get any better than that,” she reflected. But when the offer came, it brought an unexpected mix of emotions. “When I was offered the job, I was in tears. 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.”

Fourteen Years Later: A Solidified Legacy

Despite her initial uncertainty, Savannah has now spent 14 years at Today and has become one of its most respected and beloved anchors. Over the years, she has formed deep connections with her colleagues and viewers alike, proving her staying power in a role that once felt uncertain.

Her friendship with Hoda Kotb was a defining aspect of her time on the show, and their chemistry made for some of the program’s most memorable moments. Savannah described Hoda as “the ultimate people person” and “like a sister to me,” emphasizing how special their bond was both on and off the air.

Looking Ahead

With Craig Melvin now stepping in as her new co-anchor, Savannah is embracing yet another transition. Though change is never easy, she has shown time and time again that she can adapt and thrive under challenging circumstances.

While she may not have anticipated this latest shift, one thing is certain—Savannah Guthrie remains a cornerstone of Today, continuing to guide the show through every twist and turn.

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