Savannah Guthrie and her family are facing an agonizing period of uncertainty as the search continues for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.
The longtime ‘Today’ anchor has remained off the air while staying close to her loved ones, as authorities investigate what they believe may have been an abduction.
In her absence, Guthrie’s colleagues have stepped in to keep the show moving, while openly acknowledging that the circumstances surrounding her absence are far from ordinary.
Hoda Kotb Returns to the Anchor Desk
NBCHoda Kotb returned to “Today” on Monday, February 9, taking a seat at the anchor desk alongside Craig Melvin.
The 61-year-old former co-host stepped in after choosing to skip a planned trip to Milan, Italy, where she had been scheduled to cover the Winter Olympics for NBC.
Melvin and Savannah Guthrie were also expected to attend the Games, but later pulled out as the search for Savannah’s mother, Nancy, intensified.
Addressing the moment live on air, Kotb spoke candidly about the bond shared by the “Today” team.
“You know what, Craig? We always talk about our show as a family. We are a family,” Kotb shared on Monday morning. “I’m part of the family. I’m happy to be with you because we show up for each other.”
How the ‘Today’ Team Is Moving Forward
GettyLater in the broadcast, Melvin spoke directly to viewers about how the show is moving forward as Savannah and her family face a deeply personal and painful moment.
“Hoda’s joining us this morning as our Today family continues to navigate uncharted territory, balancing the updates on the search for Savannah’s mom with all the other stories of the day, like we normally do, but we know things are far from normal right now,” Melvin noted.
“So, folks, we are asking for your grace as we continue to do this.”
Kotb followed by sharing where the team’s focus remains during the crisis.
“Paramount through all of this, Savannah and her family are our top priority. In addition to that, there is also a job to do,” she said, adding that the show’s “thoughts and prayers are with [Savannah] 24/7.”
Roker later reassured viewers that the team believes they are honoring Savannah’s wishes, saying their approach is “exactly what Savannah would actually want us to do.”
Kotb stepped away from “Today” in January 2025 after co-hosting alongside Savannah since 2017. She decided to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 9, and Hope, 6, while also focusing on her wellness app, Joy 101.
Her return now, even in a temporary role, reflects the sentiment she shared on air: when one member of the “Today” family is hurting, the rest show up.
The Search for Nancy Guthrie Enters Second Week
NBCUniversalSavannah has remained in Arizona for more than a week after her 84-year-old mother was reported missing. Investigators believe Nancy was abducted from her home, though authorities have not publicly identified any suspects.
Over the weekend, Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron, released a video addressed to the presumed abductor. In the message, they said they had received a second ransom note and made clear they were willing to comply.
“We beg you now to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her,” Savannah said. “This is the only way we can have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
How to help: The FBI has since joined the investigation and is urging anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office at 520-351-4900.
As of the time of writing this story, Savannah’s beloved mom, Nancy, sadly, remains missing.
