Savannah Guthrie has hinted that her tenure on the Today show could be coming to an end following Hoda Kotb’s announcement of her departure from the morning show.
While discussing Hoda’s departure at the Healthy Minds Project’s World Mental Health Day Gala on Thursday, Savannah told US Weekly“We are dear friends and we have many similarities.”
He added: “We’re basically in the same phase of life,” which many interpreted as a subtle reference to his own potential exit.
This speculation comes after Hoda shocked viewers with her surprise announcement in September, stating that turning 60 had been a “monumental moment” that prompted her to “try something new” after 17 years at the helm of the flagship show.
Additionally, sources have told DailyMail.com that Today producers are actively trying to persuade Savannah to stay, as they want to avoid “reshaping everything” during this transition period.
Savannah Guthrie has hinted that her tenure on the Today show could be coming to an end following Hoda Kotb’s announcement of her departure from the morning show; seen on thursday
While discussing Hoda’s departure at the Healthy Minds Project’s second annual World Mental Health Day gala on Friday, Savannah told US Weekly, “We are dear friends and have many similarities” (pictured in 2018).
“Savannah’s contract expires next year and they want to keep her and will do everything they can to continue their relationship with Savannah as a way to not revisit everything,” the source explained.
“The replacement will come from people who are already there instead of paying tons of money to a stranger to sit with Savannah.”
Savannah reportedly signed a $7 million-a-year deal with Today, which was increased to $8 million and then again to an undisclosed amount in 2020 after bosses were impressed with her moderation of a town hall with President Trump.
Hoda, who reportedly makes approximately $8 million a year on the show, is not only one of the main hosts alongside Savannah, but she also hosts her own segment with Jenna Bush Hager, called Today with Hoda and Jenna.
The insider noted that the final decision on replacements will ultimately depend on the viewing public, depending on which presenter the audience is most drawn to.
“Craig Melvin and Laura Jarrett are at the top of the list to be heirs apparent right now,” the source continued.
‘NBC is looking to put one of them in Hoda’s position, whoever draws the most viewers will be the most likely replacement.
“All the hosts would love the opportunity to fill Hoda’s shoes, Sheinelle Jones would be interested, but honestly, everyone is defending Laura or Craig.”
“We’re basically in the same phase of life,” which many interpreted as a subtle reference to his own potential exit.
Additionally, sources have informed DailyMail.com that Today producers are actively trying to persuade Savannah to stay, as they want to avoid “reshaping everything” during this transition period.
The source added that bosses are willing to wait as long as necessary to make an official announcement, adding that Hoda’s replacement on Today with Hoda and Jenna is more open.
“There’s more wiggle room with Jenna and who will join her after Hoda leaves,” he said.
“It could be a revolving door until someone stays, the work to join Jenna will be a work in progress and it could be anyone at this point.”
Craig, 45, first joined MSNBC as a daytime anchor in 2011, and during his first year he covered a number of events, including the Republican and Democratic national conventions and election night.
He began co-hosting Today’s Third Hour in 2018, and shortly after news broke that Hoda was leaving, fans were asking him to replace her.
Before working at Today, Laura, 40, daughter of former Obama administration official Valerie Jarrett, worked at CNN, where she co-hosted the show Early Start, which has since been renamed CNN This Morning.
She joined NBC in 2022 and is best known for breaking the news on former President Donald Trump’s guilty verdict for falsifying business records in May.
Hoda was motivated to quit by her two young daughters, but her struggle to find the same chemistry with Jenna that she had with former co-host Kathie Lee Gifford, 71, was also a determining factor.
The television icon also wrote a letter explaining her “painful” decision to her colleagues, further explaining that celebrating her 60th birthday caused a seismic “change” in her life.
Craig Melvin and Laura Jarrett are already clear favorites for the job, the source said.
Insiders explained that producers are eager to avoid losing another big name from the popular morning show as Savannah prepares to begin contract renewal talks.
“As I write this, my heart is all over the place,” Hoda said. ‘I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s painful. And you all are the reason. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel that deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.
‘My time at NBC has been the longest professional love story of my life. But only because you have been by my side on this twenty-six year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. 26 years at NBC News: ten years at Dateline, seven at seven, sixteen at ten.
She continued: ‘I imagine their faces and their families and all the ways they have lifted me up and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. Many of my professional relationships have become some of my dearest friendships.’
He went on to pay a heartbreaking tribute to his ‘ride or die’ Jenna Bush Hager, and stated that he will ‘desperately’ miss everyone he has worked with on the popular morning show.
