Savannah Guthrie has been a familiar face on Today for over a decade, 

but stepping into her role as co-anchor in 2012 was anything but easy. 

In a candid interview with Parade, the 53-year-old journalist revealed that she was “terrified” 

when she was offered the job, admitting that the transition was fraught with challenges.

At the time, Today was going through a turbulent period following the departure of long-time anchor Ann Curry. 

Rumors swirled that Ann’s exit was due to poor on-air chemistry with her co-anchor Matt Lauer, with speculation that Lauer had played a role in pushing her out. 

The controversy surrounding the show only heightened the pressure on Savannah as she stepped into the high-profile position.

A Difficult Transition into Today

Savannah reflected on the difficult circumstances that surrounded her promotion, explaining that it was not a joyous occasion for anyone involved.

“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 told Parade.

Despite being a seasoned journalist, Savannah confessed that she was overwhelmed when NBC executives made the decision to place her in the coveted role. She recalled feeling an intense wave of fear when she was informed of the promotion, stating that she was “as terrified as [she] could possibly be.”

She further admitted that when the offer came, she broke down in tears—not because she didn’t want the job, but because she feared she wouldn’t be able to keep it.

“And it wasn’t because I didn’t dream of this job like everyone else does,” she explained. “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.”

The Weight of Expectations

Taking on the co-anchor position meant that Savannah was stepping into a role that came with high expectations. The show’s ratings were heavily dependent on how viewers responded to the lineup change, making the pressure even greater.

The weight of responsibility only grew in the years that followed. In 2018, Matt Lauer was fired from NBC following a sexual misconduct scandal, leading to another major shake-up in the Today lineup. Hoda Kotb was eventually promoted to co-anchor alongside Savannah, and the two have since become a powerhouse duo on morning television.

Keeping Political Views Private

As a prominent journalist, Savannah has often found herself at the center of speculation regarding her political beliefs. She has made a conscious effort to separate her personal opinions from her reporting, striving to remain neutral and objective on-air.

However, her attendance at the Republican National Convention last year raised eyebrows, with some viewers questioning whether she was supporting Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Additionally, her role as a moderator for Trump’s NBC town hall in 2020 fueled further speculation about her political leanings.

Despite the scrutiny, Savannah has remained steadfast in her commitment to journalistic integrity. Rather than addressing the rumors directly, she continues to focus on delivering the news in a fair and balanced manner.

A New Challenge: Writing for Children

Beyond her career in broadcast journalism, Savannah has recently ventured into the world of children’s literature. She recently spoke with People about the fears she had when releasing her new book, Mostly What God Does Is Love You.

Even with years of experience in high-pressure situations, Savannah admitted that she was nervous about how her book would be received.

“I was so afraid because I didn’t really know how it would be received,” she shared.

However, she soon realized that the book sparked meaningful discussions among readers.

“What I’ve learned is that there’s a real yearning for deep conversation about things that matter,” she explained. “And it doesn’t mean there’s all these people that agree with me. They may or they may not. It’s just that it opened a conversation, and that’s a gateway to real connection with new people, but also people I’ve known for a long time.”

Savannah’s Enduring Legacy on Today

While her early fears about her Today tenure not lasting were understandable, Savannah has since become a key figure on the show. More than a decade after stepping into the co-anchor role, she remains one of the most recognizable and respected faces in morning television.

Her journey from uncertainty and self-doubt to becoming one of Today’s longest-standing hosts is a testament to her resilience and dedication to journalism. Whether delivering the day’s biggest headlines, moderating political debates, or writing heartfelt children’s books, Savannah Guthrie has proven time and time again that she was meant to be in the spotlight.

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