Hoda Kotb will continue filling in for Savannah Guthrie on NBC’s “Today” as the search for Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, enters its fourth week, according to Page Six. NBC insiders say the timeline for Guthrie’s return remains uncertain as she stays with her family during the ongoing search in Arizona.
Kotb, 61, returned to Studio 1A shortly after Guthrie stepped away from her duties. Although she left her full-time co-anchor role in early 2025, Kotb rejoined the broadcast team during the crisis.
“Hoda has been a steady hand and a calm presence for the staff,” one source told the outlet.
‘Today’ Leadership Addresses Savannah Guthrie’s Absence
Behind the scenes, NBC executives are managing both Guthrie’s absence and speculation about her position. Rumors about potential replacements have circulated, which insiders described as hurtful amid the circumstances.
NBC confirmed there are no plans for Kotb to return full-time. She remains focused on her lifestyle brand, Joy 101, and her family. Craig Melvin, who replaced Kotb as co-anchor following her departure last year, continues in his role alongside her during this interim period.
No one at NBC anticipated that one of the network’s most recognizable news figures would become part of a national headline. Guthrie withdrew from hosting duties at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan and missed the first week of coverage.
Kotb and Melvin had planned to travel to Italy for Olympic coverage but remained in the United States to anchor “Today” from New York.
NBC News Coverage Intensifies as ‘Heartbreaking’ Search Continues
Interest in the case remains high. NBC News interrupted regular programming earlier this week with a special report anchored by Kotb and Melvin. During the broadcast, the Guthrie family announced a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery.
Guthrie delivered an emotional message during the report, asking viewers for help and acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
An NBC insider told Page Six that staff members are attempting to remain focused. “If anything, this incredibly heartbreaking situation has reinforced the strength of the ‘Today’ family,” the source said.
Katie Couric, who co-anchored “Today” from 1991 to 2006, addressed the situation in a recent interview via Variety.
“This situation is tragically unprecedented, and I think it’s really hard to compare anything else to what Savannah and her family are dealing with right now,” Couric said. “I do think morning shows are living, breathing organisms, and when something happens to a member of these very close-knit teams, it is devastating, I think, to everyone. I think the ‘Today Show’ team is doing the best they possibly can, and it must be excruciating to try to carry on, but also to cover a story about a beloved colleague.”
According to a person familiar with the matter, Guthrie will return to “Today” on her own timeline, even if she requires significant time before resuming her duties.
