Savannah Guthrie, the co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, recently expressed her affection for her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, highlighting its rich culture and delicious cuisine. Known for her love of Mexican food, Guthrie stated that indulging in local culinary favorites is always a priority during her visits home.
A special segment focusing on Tucson will air on “Today” on Wednesday at 8 a.m. local time, where Guthrie describes the piece as a “love letter to Tucson,” showcasing the city’s notable attractions and experiences.
On October 17, Guthrie filmed the segment over the course of eight hours, making it a more meaningful visit than her usual family reunions. During her time in Tucson, she explored a variety of iconic locations, starting at Saguaro National Park and culminating her day at the University of Arizona. Among the places she visited were the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, El Charro for lunch, and an engaging mural-painting session with local artist Joe Pagac.
The visit allowed Guthrie to engage with community leaders, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. One of the lighthearted moments from her trip involved interacting with a porcupine named Pinecone, who is preparing for a national introduction.
Reflecting on her university years, Guthrie noted that this was her first return to the campus since delivering a commencement speech there in 2011. She visited nostalgic spots, including her sorority house, bringing back cherished memories of her time at the University of Arizona.
Originally from Australia, Guthrie moved to Tucson at a young age and attended local schools, including Amphitheater High School. Her interest in journalism blossomed while she was in college, leading her to write for various publications before launching her career in television. After graduating in 1993, she gained experience in local reporting, eventually rising to national prominence and joining the “Today” show as a co-host in 2011.
Guthrie’s heartfelt tribute to Tucson reveals the strong bond she maintains with her roots, embodying the experiences and memories that define her. She regards Tucson as a beautiful place and takes pride in her connection to the community.