The Australian-American broadcaster and former co-anchor shared a close onscreen bond, having begun working together on “Today” in 2017.
Savannah Guthrie recounted with laughter on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” how she discarded Hoda Kotb’s leftover belongings following her departure from the “Today” show earlier in January 2025. However, fans criticized Guthrie, calling her comments distasteful and labeling her a “mean girl.”
A fan criticizes Savannah Guthrie after her comments directed towards Hoda Kotb, from a post dated January 18, 2024 | Source: Instagram/pagesix
Kotb’s last show on “Today” was on January 10. Her replacement, Craig Melvin, is now co-anchors with Guthrie and the two recently went on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where they spoke of their work and interactions with Kotb.
During this conversation, Guthrie recalled how when they were preparing to go on air, they found items Kotb had left behind on set. Guthrie felt that those stuff shouldn’t be there as Kotb was gone. She noted, “We gave her this beautiful goodbye but it’s a new era. It’s the Craig era.”
She explained, “It was, like, one contact and, like, expired, like, bean dip and, like, belly button lint.” Melvin, who thought that items belonged to Guthrie, was surprised to learn that they were Kotb’s things.
“So we just threw it right out. I sent her a video,” noted Guthrie. The clip of the 53-year-old throwing Kotb’s belongings was shared on the show. She is seen dumping them in a bin while saying, “Hey girl, guess you didn’t want any of this [expletive]. Don’t mind me.”
Savannah Guthrie also shared Kotb’s quirky habit of bringing a transparent Ziploc bag to glamorous red carpet events. The bag, she explained, would contain items such as a banana and a tampon. “I mean it is beyond,” she remarked. While Guthrie’s lighthearted storytelling amused some, many fans found her comments unnecessary.
One viewer didn’t hold back, writing, “Savannah not worthy to carry Hoda’s show notes. Happy trails Hoda, we miss you.” Another chimed in, “She’s not a nice person,” while someone else described her, “Yeah deep down Savannah really is a mean girl.”
Frustration was evident in a comment that read, “Will never watch her again after that comment.” A disappointed viewer remarked, “I thought Savanna said she’s her friend and really gonna miss her. Savanna is so fake.”
An individual added to the criticism, “Savannah is the ‘mean girl’ 🥺🤔☹️.” A former viewer shared their personal decision, “Not surprised, she’s the reason I stopped watching Today show. Snoby, arrogant and she just showed how fake friend she is 🤮💩.”
Not everyone was critical, as one fan found humor in the moment, saying, “That’s hilarious 😂.” A loyal supporter shared, “Love Savannah’s humor. Bet Hoda is laughing. They share an extraordinary friendship.”
Guthrie and Kotb worked together on “Today” for over 6 years. On September 26, 2024, Kotb announced her departure from the show, noting emotionally that she had been at NBC for 26 years.
She added that having just turned 60, she wanted to start a new journey and that meant departing from the show. In a heartfelt letter to her viewers, Kotb reflected on her journey and acknowledged her initial fears when she first started in the talk show industry.
Hoda Kotb dresses in costume to celebrate the NBC “Today” Show Halloween Monster Bash in Rockefeller Center in New York City, on October 31, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Kotb shared how she transitioned from being a “hard news person” to a more personal and connected figure, thanks to her audience. She spoke of how she grew in her personal life too, becoming a mom to Haley Joy and Hope Catherine while still hosting the show.
Throughout her career, Hoda Kotb felt deeply honored by the moments viewers allowed her to be part of, from their triumphs to their celebrations.
In closing, she wrote, “So as I sit here today in my final moments, on this final day in this chapter of my career, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my very full heart for the ride of a lifetime. I love you.”
On January 10, her team gave her a heartwarming goodbye, during which a lighthearted moment unfolded between Kotb, Guthrie, and Melvin.
The broadcast showed a split screen of fans holding posters celebrating Kotb’s legacy. Guthrie, with a mix of sincerity and humor, noted they were saying goodbye to “an icon here at 30 Rock” and “all around the world.” Hoda could be seen tearing up as she assumed Guthrie was referencing her departure.
However, Guthrie added, “We’ve been counting down to it and yes our beloved Christmas tree is coming down tomorrow.” The camera also transitioned the focus to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
A view as Mayor Bill de Blasio, Rob Speyer, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker light the tree during the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in New York City, on December 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
As soon as Kotb realized the playful twist, laughter erupted among the trio. Guthrie quipped, “Oh, did you think we were talking about something else?” Kotb, caught between laughing and crying, responded with, “You’re messing with me.” The moment encapsulated the warmth and friendship shared by Kotb and Guthrie.
As “Today” show said goodbye to Kotb, they had touching words to say about her. Guthrie deeply admired Kotb and valued the lessons she gained from working alongside her. She reflected on Kotb’s talent for interviews and attributed their uniqueness to her ability to connect genuinely with people.
She described how Kotb’s warmth and care resonated with others. Guthrie also recognized Kotb as the ultimate people person, someone whose love for others shone through effortlessly.
Guthrie added, “Hoda, I love you deeply. Whether you’re sitting next to me or not. Whether we’re waking up at 4 o’clock in the morning together or not, I will always be by your side, and you will always be by mine.”
Melvin also described Hoda’s interview style as deeply personal and noted that her approach felt more like heartfelt conversations than traditional interviews. He highlighted, “She’s not looking at your eyes. She’s peering into your soul.”
He thanked Kotb for the kindness and generosity he showed her when Guthrie announced that he would replace her as a co-host on “Today.” “Thank you for being a cheerleader and champion for years,” Melvin said.
Kotb had told Melvin after news broke that he was her replacement, “Craig, I’m so happy for you. You’ve earned this. You own this and come Monday at 7:00 a.m. I’m gonna be dead asleep. But you’re going to be fantastic. You’re going to bring it home.”
Evidently, Melvin, Guthrie, and Kotb share nothing but mutual respect and admiration for one another, having worked alongside each other on the “Today” show. Their words to one another are full of genuine praise, highlighting their shared love and close bond.
