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The Untold Story Of Savannah Guthrie's First Husband: Mark Orchard And The 'Horrible' Divorce That Broke Her Heart

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Few celebrity marriages are as closely scrutinized as those of morning television hosts, and for Today Show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, her personal life has often been kept intensely private. However, in recent years, the veteran journalist has made rare, candid remarks about her challenging first marriage and subsequent divorce, offering a fresh perspective on a chapter of her life that profoundly impacted her. This deep dive, based on information current as of December 23, 2025, explores the full story of her first husband, Mark Orchard, their brief but significant union, and the heartbreaking aftermath that took years for Guthrie to overcome.

The story of Savannah Guthrie and her first husband is a compelling narrative of two ambitious journalists whose professional paths crossed on a major news story, leading to a whirlwind romance that ultimately couldn't withstand the pressures of their demanding careers. While she is now happily married to political consultant Michael Feldman, the details of her first marriage to Orchard—a relationship she has described as "horrible and sad"—remain a critical part of her journey.

Mark Orchard: Biography and Relationship Timeline

Savannah Guthrie’s first husband, Mark Orchard, is a respected English-born broadcast journalist and producer. Their relationship began in the high-stakes environment of a major legal case, a setting that defined the early years of their connection.

  • Full Name: Mark Orchard
  • Nationality: British (English-born)
  • Primary Profession: Broadcast Journalist and Producer
  • Notable Employers: BBC, Al Jazeera, Independent Television News (ITN)
  • How They Met: The couple met in 2005 while both were covering the high-profile Michael Jackson child molestation trial. Guthrie was working as a national trial correspondent for Court TV at the time.
  • Marriage Date: 2005
  • Divorce Date: 2009
  • Duration of Marriage: Approximately four years.
  • Children: The couple did not have any children together.
  • Current Role (as of 2025): Senior Broadcast Producer for "Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson," a position he has held since 2016.

The High-Stakes Romance That Began at a Trial

The environment in which Savannah Guthrie and Mark Orchard met was anything but typical. Covering the Michael Jackson trial in Santa Maria, California, was a high-pressure, intense assignment that threw the two journalists together.

Guthrie, who was a rising star in legal journalism, and Orchard, an experienced BBC producer, bonded over the shared demands of their profession. This intense, shared experience led to their marriage in 2005.

During this period, Guthrie’s professional career was rapidly accelerating. She joined NBC News in 2007 as a legal analyst and correspondent, a move that placed her on a fast track to national prominence. Unfortunately, as her career soared, her personal life began to suffer, a common challenge for broadcast journalists with grueling schedules and frequent travel.

Savannah Guthrie's Rare and Candid Remarks on the Divorce

For many years following the split, Savannah Guthrie remained silent about the end of her first marriage. She focused on her career, which led her to become a White House correspondent and eventually the co-anchor of the Today Show. However, in recent years, she has opened up, providing a powerful, fresh perspective on the emotional toll the divorce took on her.

In a candid interview, the usually reserved anchor described the experience using remarkably strong language. "It was horrible and sad, and it broke my heart, and it took me years to recover," she confessed. This rare commentary, made over a decade after the divorce, highlights the profound emotional impact of the separation.

Her openness provides a relatable moment for many who have experienced a painful divorce, showing that even high-profile figures struggle with personal setbacks. She emphasized that she doesn't blame anyone for the outcome but simply prefers not to dwell on the painful memories.

The Recovery and Finding a Second Chance at Love

The divorce from Mark Orchard in 2009 marked a turning point, ushering in a period of professional focus and personal healing for Guthrie. The recovery process was lengthy, as she herself admitted, but it ultimately paved the way for her to find lasting happiness.

Savannah Guthrie met her current husband, Michael Feldman, a former Democratic political aide and communications consultant, in 2008, shortly before her divorce was finalized. Their relationship was a gradual, more grounded process compared to the intense start of her first marriage.

The couple got married in 2014, and their wedding day brought another surprise: Guthrie announced she was pregnant with their first child. Today, they share two children, daughter Vale and son Charley, and their family life is a frequent, joyful topic on the Today Show.

Where Is Mark Orchard Now? A Look at His Post-Divorce Career

While Savannah Guthrie’s life moved into the spotlight of morning television and family life, Mark Orchard continued his successful career behind the scenes in broadcast journalism.

Orchard's professional trajectory highlights his continued dedication to producing high-quality news content. After his work with the BBC and Al Jazeera, he transitioned to a senior role in American journalism.

Since 2016, Mark Orchard has served as a Senior Broadcast Producer for "Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson," a syndicated investigative news program. This role confirms his ongoing commitment to news production, a field that initially brought him and Guthrie together.

The story of Savannah Guthrie and Mark Orchard serves as a powerful reminder that life's most painful chapters can often lead to the greatest growth. For Guthrie, the "horrible" sadness of her first divorce was a necessary precursor to the deep, lasting happiness she has found with Michael Feldman and her children, proving that second chances are possible, even in the public eye. The candid nature of her recent comments ensures this personal history remains a fresh and relevant part of her public narrative.

savannah guthrie first husband
savannah guthrie first husband

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