Savannah Guthrie: The Life, Career, and Legacy of a Broadcast Icon

Savannah Guthrie is one of the most recognizable faces in American journalism. Known for her sharp legal reporting, thoughtful interviews, and co-anchoring NBC’s Today, Guthrie has built a career that blends credibility with accessibility. From her early years in journalism to her current status as a media powerhouse, her journey reflects resilience, professionalism, and personal growth. Fans and followers often ask about her life beyond the camera: her height, age, husband, net worth, and even whether she is leaving Today. This article takes a comprehensive look at Savannah Guthrie’s life, career, and influence.

Early Life and Education

Savannah Clark Guthrie was born on December 27, 1971, in Melbourne, Australia, while her father was stationed there for work. The family returned to the United States when she was two years old, settling in Tucson, Arizona. Guthrie would later describe her childhood as formative in developing a strong work ethic, shaped by a household that valued education and civic responsibility.

She graduated from Amphitheater High School in Tucson and pursued higher education at the University of Arizona, where she earned a B.A. in Journalism in 1993, cum laude. Her college years set the stage for a career in media. Guthrie didn’t stop there — she later earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Georgetown University Law Center in 2002, magna cum laude, and notably scored the highest mark on the Arizona Bar Exam the year she took it. This combination of journalism and law would become a cornerstone of her reporting career.

Early Career in Journalism

Guthrie began her broadcasting career in 1993 at KTVM, an NBC affiliate in Butte, Montana. Interestingly, the local news operation shut down just ten days after she started, prompting her to move to ABC affiliate KMIZ in Columbia, Missouri, where she worked for two years. Returning to Tucson in 1995, she joined NBC affiliate KVOA, honing her reporting skills in local news.

Her big break came when she moved to Washington, D.C., taking a position at WRC-TV, NBC’s owned-and-operated station, covering major stories like the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon and the 2001 anthrax attacks.

Legal Expertise Meets Journalism

After several years in broadcasting, Guthrie leveraged her law degree to enhance her reporting. She worked as a litigation associate at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, specializing in white-collar criminal defense. She also received a clerkship offer for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which she turned down to continue her journalism career.

In 2004, she became a national trial correspondent for CourtTV, covering high-profile legal cases including the Michael Jackson trial, the Martha Stewart trial, and the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for Justice Samuel Alito. Her legal expertise gave her reporting depth that set her apart from other journalists.

Joining NBC News

Savannah Guthrie joined NBC News in 2007 as a legal analyst and correspondent, reporting on trials nationwide. She was named White House Correspondent in 2008, covering Sarah Palin’s vice-presidential campaign, among other major political events. She served as co-anchor of MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown from 2010 to 2011.

In 2011, she transitioned to NBC’s Today, initially co-hosting the third hour and acting as Chief Legal Analyst. Her calm, professional demeanor and legal expertise quickly made her a trusted face for breaking news.

Co-Anchor of Today

In 2012, Guthrie replaced Ann Curry as the main co-anchor of Today, a role she continues to hold. She has conducted high-profile interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and public figures, including Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Ash Carter.

Fans frequently ask: Is Savannah Guthrie leaving the Today Show? As of early 2026, there have been no official announcements confirming her departure. While there are occasional rumors, Guthrie remains committed to her role on Today, balancing news coverage with live events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting.

Personal Life: Husband and Family

Savannah Guthrie has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Mark Orchard, a BBC News presenter, from 2005 to 2009. Later in 2009, she began a relationship with Michael Feldman, a Democratic political and communications consultant. They married in 2014, shortly before announcing that Guthrie was pregnant.

The couple has two children: Vale, born in 2014, and Charles, born in 2016 through in-vitro fertilization. Guthrie is known for keeping her personal life private, rarely sharing intimate details with the public.

Physical Stats and Fun Facts

Fans often ask about Guthrie’s physical attributes:

• Height: Approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)

• Age: 54 years old (as of 2026)

These details, while minor, add to the curiosity surrounding her public persona.

Net Worth

Savannah Guthrie has enjoyed a long and successful career in broadcast journalism. Her estimated net worth is around $16 million, largely accumulated through her roles at NBC News, legal analysis, interviews, and occasional book projects.

Career Highlights and Achievements

• Legal Analyst: Reported on major trials including Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, and Carlie Brucia cases.

• White House Correspondent: Covered the Obama administration and political campaigns.

• Today Show Co-Anchor: Since 2012, shaping American morning news.

• Author: Wrote children’s books Princesses Wear Pants and Princesses Save the World, and a religious book Mostly What God Does.

• Guest Host of Jeopardy!: Stepped in as an interim host in 2021 following Alex Trebek’s death.

• Time 100 Most Influential: Named in 2018 for her impact in journalism.

Public Image and Influence

Guthrie is widely regarded for her poise, credibility, and ability to handle difficult interviews. She balances serious reporting with approachable warmth, making her a trusted figure in American households. Her handling of sensitive topics — from political scandals to social issues — has earned her respect among peers and viewers alike.

Controversies and Challenges

While Guthrie’s career has been relatively scandal-free, she has faced personal challenges. Most notably, her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared in early 2026, leading Savannah to temporarily step away from some NBC duties to support her family. Her professionalism and composure during this period have been widely praised.

FAQs About Savannah Guthrie

1. Is Savannah Guthrie leaving the Today Show?

No official announcements have confirmed her departure as of 2026. Rumors occasionally circulate, but she remains a co-anchor.

2. Who is Savannah Guthrie’s husband?

She is married to Michael Feldman, a political and communications consultant.

3. How tall is Savannah Guthrie?

She is approximately 5’4” (163 cm).

4. What is Savannah Guthrie’s net worth?

Estimated at around $16 million.

5. How old is Savannah Guthrie?

She was born on December 27, 1971, making her 54 years old.

Conclusion

Savannah Guthrie’s journey from a young journalism student in Arizona to one of America’s most respected television anchors is a story of talent, persistence, and professionalism. Her legal background, calm demeanor, and commitment to ethical reporting have made her a trusted voice in American media. While fans are curious about her personal life — her husband, height, age, and net worth — it is her unwavering professionalism that defines her legacy.

Whether she continues at Today for years to come or chooses a new chapter, Savannah Guthrie will remain a benchmark for aspiring journalists and a symbol of thoughtful, balanced reporting.