A Brief and Difficult First Union (Image Credits: Hollywoodlife.com)
Savannah Guthrie, the prominent co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, maintains a strong partnership with husband Michael Feldman more than a decade after a painful split from her first spouse.[1][2]
A Brief and Difficult First Union
Savannah Guthrie entered her first marriage in December 2005 after meeting journalist Mark Orchard while covering the Michael Jackson sexual abuse trial. She worked as a CourtTV correspondent, and he reported for the BBC.[3]
The couple divorced in 2009 after less than four years together. Guthrie later described the experience as “horrible” and one that “broke my heart,” adding that recovery took years. She felt like a “failure” at age 36, especially amid fears she had missed her chance at motherhood while advancing her career at NBC.[4][3]
Guthrie chose not to delve into specifics, calling some details “too personal and too embarrassing.” The separation occurred before she met her current husband.[1]
Sparking Romance with Michael Feldman
Guthrie attended Michael Feldman’s 40th birthday party in October 2008, introduced by a mutual friend shortly after her separation from Orchard. The pair began dating the following year.[1][2]
They faced hurdles before commitment. In 2013, Guthrie ended things the day Feldman proposed during a Turks and Caicos vacation, but he persuaded her to reconsider. She accepted that evening, later recalling, “It got to the point where no one thought we were ever going to get married – including us.”[1]
The couple wed in March 2014 during an intimate ceremony in Tucson, Arizona, with about 80 guests. Guthrie announced her pregnancy immediately after the event.[1]
Welcoming Children and Embracing Family Life
Daughter Vale Guthrie Feldman arrived on August 13, 2014, followed by son Charles “Charley” Max Feldman on December 8, 2016. Guthrie, then 43 at Vale’s birth, expressed profound joy: “When we found out we were pregnant, I don’t think there were two happier people on this planet.”[1]
The family navigates an interfaith household – Guthrie Christian, Feldman Jewish – celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas. Feldman wrote to newborn Vale in 2014, “I have a purpose now. It’s the most important job that I have ever had.”[1]
- 2008: Met at Feldman’s birthday party
- 2009: Began dating post-divorce
- 2013: Got engaged after reconciliation
- 2014: Married and welcomed first child
- 2016: Second child born
Power Careers Behind the Scenes
Feldman, born October 14, 1968, built a career in Democratic politics, serving eight years in the Clinton-Gore White House as senior advisor to Vice President Al Gore and congressional liaison. He co-founded Glover Park Group in 2001, now part of FGS Global, where he leads as North American co-chairman, handling communications, crisis management, and entertainment consulting.[5])[2]
Guthrie praised his handiness early on, a trait reminiscent of her late father. The couple supports each other’s demanding roles while prioritizing family.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Guthrie and Feldman have thrived for over 12 years, raising two children in a blended-faith home.
- Her first marriage ended amid personal struggles, paving the way for lasting stability.
- Both balance high-profile careers with devoted parenting.
Savannah Guthrie’s transition from divorce heartache to a decade-plus of marital bliss underscores resilience and second chances. What do you think about her story? Tell us in the comments.
