Savannah Guthrie walking © NBC

Today's Savannah Guthrie in near tears during highly personal moment on show

The daytime TV star got emotional live on air with Hoda Kotb, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer on Monday

Content Writer
May 22, 2023

Today's Savannah Guthrie teared up while live on air on Monday morning as she looked back at her emotional return to her alma mater over the weekend. The daytime TV host was invited back to give the commencement speech for this year's graduating students at Georgetown University's law school – an experience which she referred to as "a dream come true."

"It was so fun, my girlfriends and I we all got together, we saw old professors!" Savannah gushed to her co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Sheinelle Jones during the second hour of the show. "This was a dream come true not only to be invited, but to congratulate these law students who I know are going to go out there and change the world for the better," she continued, "And as mentioned, as a bonus, I got to reunite with some of my friends who helped me get through law school."

WATCH: Savannah Guthrie catches up with her law school friends

After the hosts watched clips of Savannah's commencement speech, the cameras cut back to the studio where Savannah was visibly emotional about the whole event. Ever supportive of their friend and co-host, Hoda and Sheinelle even got on their feet to give Savannah a standing ovation, despite the fact she pleaded with them not to.

"If those kids are going to give you a standing O, then so are we," Hoda said, as Savannah told the two of them: "You're so sweet."

"It was clear… you were so moved to be in that setting again," Hoda then continued, and Savannah agreed, evidently emotional again now they were back in the studio. "I can't believe how moved I was," the 51-year-old said, her voice breaking a little. "When I walked out… when I came to Georgetown, I was a little kid from Arizona who never dreamed I could be a student there. And to walk out there 21 years later in my cap and gown, not only a graduate, but as a speaker… it meant so much to me," she finished.

MORE: Today show hosts lose it live on air after hilarious jibe from co-star – watch 

© Getty

Hoda was super supportive of her friend on Monday

Her proud co-stars Hoda, Sheinelle and Dylan Dreyer were full of praise and support for her as she teared up. "Did you see the guy like 'she brought a prop!'?" Sheinelle complimented, as Hoda then continued: "I just want to comment on your comedic timing – I'm into it… the room shots were crazy!"

MORE: Dylan Dreyer's departure from Today gig wasn't an easy decision - but her growing family were grateful 

The 58-year-old then continued by urging fans to go and watch Savannah's full address on the Today website saying: "This one's got it all, humor, heart and the rest."

© Savannah Guthrie on Instagram

Savannah with her prop - an old textbook

Getting emotional again at her co-star's praise, Savannah passed the show over to Dylan for the weather, but Dylan couldn't let her completely step out of the spotlight just yet. "You just have such a knack for this… you're so inspirational," she said.

SEE: Today's Hoda Kotb says she's 'packing her bags' - but where is she going?

© Savannah Guthrie on Instagram

Savannah with her old law school professors

Savannah posted more about her emotional trip to Georgetown on her social media, including further photos of her meeting up with her friends and professors from her time at the law school. "What a dream! today I returned to @georgetownlawofficial to give the commencement address. some of my dearest law school friends and former professors came to be together. it was magical and I am so grateful," she wrote as a caption on her Instagram post.

© Savannah Guthrie on Instagram

The Today anchor with her law school friends

© Savannah Guthrie on Instagram

Savannah addressing the crowds of students

Sheinelle was full of love for her co-star's speech

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