5 Shocking Details About Savannah Guthrie's Proposal And The Breakup That Happened The Same Day

The dramatic story of Savannah Guthrie’s proposal is far more complicated and surprising than most fans realize. As of late 2025, the *Today* show anchor is happily married to her husband, Michael Feldman, but their journey to the altar involved a stunning moment of romantic chaos: a breakup that occurred on the very same day as the proposal. This incredible, little-known detail provides a unique look into the high-stakes personal life of one of America's most recognizable journalists, revealing a tumultuous path to lasting love that included a previous, deeply painful divorce.

The narrative of the "breakup" and the proposal is a fantastic piece of celebrity lore that she has since shared openly, confirming that the path to her second marriage was anything but smooth. The story is a testament to the perseverance of her now-husband, who turned a moment of potential disaster into a life-changing commitment, solidifying a partnership that has since led to a family and a co-parenting dynamic that she cherishes today.

Savannah Guthrie: Complete Journalist & Attorney Profile

Savannah Clark Guthrie is an American broadcast journalist and former attorney, best known as the main co-anchor of NBC News' flagship morning show, *Today*. Her career has spanned high-profile legal reporting, political coverage, and daily news anchoring.

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• Full Name: Savannah Clark Guthrie
• Date of Birth: December 27, 1971
• Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia (moved to the US at a young age)
• Current Residence: New York City, New York
• Education: University of Arizona (B.A. in Journalism), Georgetown University Law Center (Juris Doctor) [cite: 8 (from step 2)]
• Career Highlights: White House correspondent for NBC News (2008–2011), Co-host of *Today* show (since 2012), Chief Legal Correspondent for NBC News. [cite: 1, 8 (from step 2)]
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Approximately $40–45 million, with an annual salary reported to be around $8 million. [cite: 3, 5, 11, 15 (from step 2)]
• Spouses:
  • Mark Orchard (m. 2005; div. 2009) [cite: 1, 9 (from step 2)]
  • Michael Feldman (m. 2014)
• Children: Daughter Vale Guthrie Feldman, Son Charles Max Feldman (Charley) [cite: 2, 14, 16 (from step 2)]

The Day She Broke Up With Her Husband—and Got Engaged

The central curiosity behind the "Savannah Guthrie proposal breakup" query lies in the bizarre and highly dramatic sequence of events that unfolded during her 2013 engagement to longtime boyfriend Michael Feldman. The couple, who first met in 2009 at Feldman’s 40th birthday party, were on a romantic vacation in Turks and Caicos when the unforgettable moment occurred. [cite: 1, 10 (from step 1)]

1. The Pre-Proposal Tension and the Breakup

According to Guthrie, the relationship had hit a rough patch right before the trip. She has candidly shared that she was feeling uncertain and, in a moment of emotional turmoil, decided to end things. She actually broke up with Michael Feldman on the very day he had planned to propose. [cite: 8 (from step 1)] This shocking revelation confirms that the term "breakup" is an accurate, albeit temporary, part of their engagement story.

2. The Surprise Sunset Proposal

Despite the morning's emotional rollercoaster, Feldman, a communications consultant and founding partner of The Glover Park Group, was determined to go through with his plan. [cite: 1 (from step 1)] He proposed later that day, presenting the ring during a romantic sunset walk on Mother's Day weekend. [cite: 1, 3 (from step 1)] The dramatic timing meant that Guthrie had to quickly reverse her decision and accept the proposal, turning a day of heartbreak into a life-changing commitment.

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3. The Secret Wedding and Pregnancy Announcement

The couple announced their engagement in May 2013. They then surprised their guests with a private wedding ceremony in Tucson, Arizona, in March 2014. [cite: 2 (from step 1)] At the wedding, they made a dual announcement: they were not only getting married but were also expecting their first child. [cite: 2 (from step 1)] Their daughter, Vale Guthrie Feldman, was born later that year. Their son, Charles Max Feldman (Charley), followed in December 2016, making Guthrie an "older" parent, a role she has embraced publicly. [cite: 16 (from step 2)]

The 'Horrible' Breakup That Preceded Her Happy Ending

To fully understand the emotional context of the 2013 proposal drama, it is essential to look at Savannah Guthrie’s first marriage and subsequent divorce. This previous experience with a painful breakup likely contributed to her hesitation and emotional vulnerability with Michael Feldman.

A Difficult First Marriage and Divorce

Savannah Guthrie was previously married to English BBC journalist Mark Orchard. The couple met while covering the high-profile Michael Jackson trial in 2005. [cite: 13 (from step 2)] They married that same year but divorced just four years later in 2009. [cite: 1, 9 (from step 2)]

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Guthrie has made rare but powerful comments about the dissolution of that marriage. In a 2024 podcast interview, she described the experience as "horrible" and "sad," admitting that it took her "years to recover" from the breakup. [cite: 4, 13, 19 (from step 2)] She has spoken about the profound grief and devastating emotional toll the divorce took on her, emphasizing that the end of her first marriage was a period of significant personal struggle.

The Lesson Learned: A Second Chance at Love

The experience with Mark Orchard provided a stark contrast to her eventual relationship with Michael Feldman. The "breakup on proposal day" with Feldman ultimately became a minor footnote in a successful, enduring marriage, while the divorce from Orchard was a major, life-altering event. The fact that she was able to navigate the uncertainties of her relationship with Feldman and commit to a second marriage speaks volumes about her resilience and the strength of their bond.

Today, Savannah Guthrie and Michael Feldman are a prominent celebrity couple, often sharing glimpses of their family life with their two children. Their unique engagement story—the breakup that became a proposal—stands as a powerful reminder that the path to a happy marriage is rarely a straight line, even for a seasoned journalist who is used to reporting on the world's most complex stories.