Today’s Savannah Guthrie recently revisited the dressing room drama that sent guest host Kelly Rowland packing from the set on February 15. In her candid remarks, Savannah shared her thoughts on the matter while promoting her new book, Mostly What God Does.
Savannah’s Take: A Historic Studio Needs Some TLC
"You know, our dressing rooms definitely need a little love," Savannah, 52, admitted to People on February 26. "But hey, we’re in a historic studio that's been around for over 70 years. It’s a small space, and renovating isn’t exactly a walk in the park. So, I totally understand where people are coming from." Savannah went on to explain that the charm of the studio is tied to its history, though it comes with some quirks. "We get the good with the bad," she said. "Sometimes, you’ve got to deal with a few little chips of paint on the wall."
The Heart of the Matter: Warmth Over Walls
Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, Savannah emphasized the warmth and gratitude the team extends to their guests. "I’ve seen some really beautiful green rooms lately," she noted. "But for what we lack in decor, we make up for in heart. Let’s call it cozy, okay? Cozy!" Savannah’s comments reflect a deeper appreciation for the relationships they build on the show rather than the physical space. "It’s about how people feel when they’re here, and we want them to feel welcomed and appreciated," she added.
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Co-Hosts Weigh In: Kelly’s Always Welcome
Savannah’s co-stars, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, were quick to support the notion that Kelly Rowland is always welcome back. "Kelly is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met," Jenna, 42, shared. "Whatever happened with the dressing room, let’s just delete it and move on. She’s invited back anytime. And yes, our dressing rooms do need work." Jenna and Hoda both expressed their admiration for Kelly and her professionalism, emphasizing that the controversy doesn’t define their relationship with her.
A Familiar Theme: The Dressing Room Drama Revisited
This isn’t the first time Savannah has addressed the dressing room issue. On February 21, she told Entertainment Tonight that the rooms "need a remodel." She even joked about needing an Extreme Makeover for the set. "We’re in a historic studio, 1A, which has been used for decades. It’s incredible and iconic, but it’s old," she said. "We try our best to make it work, but ultimately, it’s about the people and the experience they have here."
On February 15, Kelly Rowland sat down with Savannah to talk about her new Netflix film, Mea Culpa. She was scheduled to co-host alongside Hoda later in the show, but something went awry. Savannah claimed she had "no idea anything was wrong," yet Kelly abruptly left the set, leaving Rita Ora to step in at the last minute. Kelly’s rep, Yvette Noel-Schure, later stated, "After 28 years of knowing her, Kelly Rowland remains one of the kindest, most amiable humans I’ve ever met and had the blessing to represent."
