Savannah Guthrie, the renowned journalist and co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, recently explained her decision to keep her divorce out of her latest book. During an interview on Monica Lewinsky’s “Reclaiming” podcast on July 1, Guthrie candidly shared her reasons for not delving into this personal chapter of her life.
“I don’t want to talk about getting divorced,” Guthrie, 53, stated. “It was horrible, sad, and it broke my heart. It took me years to recover. I’m not blaming anyone, but I really don’t want to get into it.” Guthrie was married to Mark Orchard from 2005 to 2009 before finding lasting love with Michael Feldman, whom she married in 2014. The couple shares two children, Vale, 10, and Charley, 8.
Choosing What to Share
In her book, “Mostly What God Does,” published last year, Guthrie chose to focus on themes of faith, love, and gratitude through a collection of personal essays. The book included a disclaimer, informing readers that certain personal matters, like her divorce, would remain untouched.
“The disclaimer was basically like, ‘Look, if you think you’re going to write about faith and try to — certainly not answer — but discuss some of these hardest questions. Despite the fact the picture I’ve just drawn … I’m not writing a whitewash,’” Guthrie reflected. She emphasized her intent to explore difficult subjects such as loss and injustice, albeit without providing all the intimate details.
Maintaining Personal Boundaries
Guthrie’s decision highlights a broader trend among public figures who choose to maintain certain boundaries regarding their private lives. According to Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a professor of psychological and brain sciences, “It’s important for individuals, especially those in the public eye, to set boundaries to protect their mental health and personal relationships.”
Guthrie, who describes herself as a “lay person” with no formal theological training, acknowledged that her life might appear perfect to outsiders. “You might be wondering, it seems like you, right now, have it all kind of going for you. You’re married, you’ve got these two kids, you got this great job, like what problems do you have?” she said. “So I wanted to say I have experienced adversity, but I don’t really want to tell you about the depths of that.”
The Art of Storytelling
While Guthrie opted not to delve into her divorce, she did include some personal anecdotes and “embarrassing” journal entries in her book. She also addressed the notion of a “hierarchy of pain,” asserting that everyone faces their own struggles.
“I’m not gonna say who had it worse,” she said. “If we did, I wouldn’t be in the top … but I have had my moments and I have had my sadnesses.”
Guthrie’s approach to storytelling, focusing on universal themes rather than personal grievances, resonates with readers seeking connection and understanding. Her book invites readers to reflect on their own experiences without delving into the specifics of her personal life.
Looking Ahead
Guthrie’s decision not to include details of her divorce in her book underscores the importance of personal discretion in public storytelling. As she continues to balance her roles as a journalist, author, and mother, Guthrie remains committed to sharing her insights on faith and resilience.
Her story serves as a reminder that while public figures often face pressure to disclose intimate details, maintaining personal boundaries can be a powerful act of self-preservation. As Guthrie continues her career, her ability to navigate these challenges with grace and authenticity will undoubtedly inspire others facing similar dilemmas.