Savannah Guthrie, the Emmy-winning co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, has opened up about the profound sense of failure she experienced during her 2009 divorce from ex-husband Mark Orchard, describing it as a horrible and heartbreaking chapter that took years to overcome. In a candid conversation on Hoda Kotb’s new YouTube series “Joy Rides,” Guthrie reflected on this painful period, emphasizing how it intersected with her career ambitions and ultimately strengthened her faith.
Guthrie, now 54, shared that the divorce, which ended her four-year marriage to Orchard in 2009, coincided with her starting a new job at NBC. She recalled feeling old and sad in her 30s, grappling with the collapse of her personal dreams while striving to establish herself professionally. This dual pressure forced her to dig deep, but it also left her with a lingering sense of failure, as she expressed on the show. The interview, which aired recently, marks one of her most detailed public reflections on the split, adding depth to previous brief comments.
The divorce from Orchard, a former BBC journalist she met while covering the Michael Jackson trial, was finalized over 15 years ago, but Guthrie’s emotional recounting highlights its lasting impact. She described it as the “most difficult time” of her life, a sentiment echoed in her July 2025 appearance on Monica Lewinsky’s “Reclaiming” podcast, where she called the experience “horrible and sad” and noted it broke her heart. Despite the pain, Guthrie has consistently avoided blaming others, maintaining a respectful tone about her ex-husband while seeking privacy on the specifics.
A key theme in Guthrie’s narrative is the role of faith in her recovery. She revealed that during the divorce, she realized she “didn’t have to be perfect to be loved by God,” a realization that solidified her beliefs. This spiritual awakening provided comfort and a sense of being “loved and carried” through the turmoil, turning a period of failure into an integral moment of personal growth. Her 2024 book, “Mostly What God Does,” touches on these themes, though she omitted gory details out of personal embarrassment and a desire for boundary.
Guthrie’s career trajectory adds context to her struggles; as she navigated the divorce, she was ascending at NBC, eventually becoming a Today show anchor. This professional success contrasted sharply with her personal lows, underscoring the complexity of balancing public achievement with private anguish. Her openness about this juxtaposition resonates with many facing similar challenges, offering a relatable narrative of resilience amid adversity.
Since the divorce, Guthrie has rebuilt her life, marrying political advisor Michael Feldman in 2014. The couple shares two children, Vale, 11, and Charley, 9, and celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2024. Guthrie has expressed gratitude for the media’s respect of her privacy regarding the divorce, acknowledging that most interviews have honored her boundaries. This balanced approach allows her to share insights without divulging overly personal details.
In closing, Guthrie’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the human side of celebrity, highlighting how even public figures grapple with universal emotions like failure and heartbreak. Her story emphasizes the importance of faith and support systems in overcoming life’s hurdles. As she continues her career, this vulnerability may inspire others to find strength in their own difficult times, turning past pains into sources of wisdom and connection.
