Hoda Kotb Reveals What She Really Thinks of Savannah Guthrie Amid Rumor Their Drama Resurfaced Once She Returned to Today
Ever since Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today show after taking some time to be with her family amid the investigation into the disappearance of her mother, Nancy, there have been questions about the rest of the hosts. How did they react to her absence? Who is she close to from the rest of the team? And there have even been rumors that Guthrie and former co-host Hoda Kotb don’t get along. But is there truth to those rumors?
If the latest Today show episode is to be believed, not so much. Kotb, who is filling in for Craig Melvin while he’s away on vacation, has been at the desk with Guthrie for the first time since she stepped away from the show. And the reunion was very emotional for Kotb.
She told People, “It’s been fun holding her hand,” adding, “I mean, that’s been my favorite part.”
Kotb looked emotional as she added, “Just sitting next to her. That’s it. It’s been really beautiful and I feel privileged to be able to sit there for a little while.”
Guthrie’s former co-host said Savannah has told her that she’s “helping me out.” However, she disagreed. “I don’t feel that. I feel like I get to be in the seat to watch what strength looks like. There’s nobody like her.”
Kotb was the one who conducted Guthrie’s Today show interview before Savannah returned to the show, and she was visibly emotional during that interview as well. During that conversation, Guthrie spoke about the possibility that her mother was abducted because of her. “To think that I brought this to her bedside, that it’s because of me?” she said. “Can I just say, I’m so sorry, Mommy. I’m sorry to my sister and my brother and my kids and my nephew and Tommy, my brother-in-law. I’m just so sorry. I’m so sorry. If it is me, I’m so sorry.”
She also praised Savannah as she introduced that interview, saying, “What Savannah has shown in these past 54 days is the most remarkable grace I have ever witnessed.”
Ironically, before Kotb’s emotional words about Guthrie, there had been rumors that the two were never really a good fit on the Today show, with Hollywood insider Rob Shuter reporting that behind-the-scenes things between them were complicated.
“This was never a natural pairing,” one insider told Shuter. “They made it work — but it wasn’t Savannah’s choice.” According to the gossip columnist, Savannah originally wanted Willie Geist to replace Matt Lauer, not Hoda Kotb.
“Hoda got the job because audiences loved her,” the source said. “Not because Savannah wanted her there.”
Kotb departed the Today show of her own volition, and has given no indication she wants to return full-time. However, sources insist it’s a possibility. “If ratings spike this week, everything changes,” the source explained. “NBC will notice.”
“Savannah may have to get used to seeing a lot more of her,” the insider said. “They play family on TV,” the insider added. “But this is business — and business comes first.”
