Savannah Guthrie has been absent from her hosting duties at NBC’s “Today” since her mother was reported missing on Sunday, February 1. As the 84-year-old remains missing, NBC is putting “absolutely no pressure” on Guthrie to return to work, Rob Shuter reported on his “Naughty But Nice” Substack on Sunday, February 8.
Savannah Guthrie’s Timeline to Return to ‘Today’
Savannah Guthrie has sent urgent pleas to her mother’s alleged captors in the days since her disappearance. While a motive for her mom’s kidnapping remains unclear, a source told Shuter on Sunday, “If this has anything to do with Savannah’s fame, she may never come back” to NBC.
“No job is worth risking your family,” the insider noted.
Guthrie’s NBC family has been publicly pleading for Nancy’s safe return and keeping viewers updated on the latest developments in the case, a source at the network told Shuter, “There is absolutely no pressure on Savannah. None. She’s being told to take all the time she needs.”
“Behind the scenes, NBC is handling the situation with compassion and care,” the insider told Shuter.
Savannah Guthrie Pulled Out of the 2026 Olympics
Just two days after Nancy Guthrie was reported missing, NBC announced that the longtime host would not be traveling with the team to Milan for scheduled coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.
“Savannah will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time,” an NBC Sports spokesperson told Deadline on Tuesday, February 3. “Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother. We will share additional information about our Opening Ceremony coverage plans soon.”
It was later revealed that former tennis pro Mary Carillo would replace Guthrie.
As for her daily duties, Sheinelle Jones has largely been tapped to fill in for Guthrie in her scheduled “Today” role.
“Fill-in hosts are being discussed, schedules are being adjusted,” a source told Shuter. “This isn’t about replacing Savannah—it’s about keeping the show steady while she’s gone.”
Authorities Share Update on Nancy Guthrie Disappearance
On Sunday, February 8—one week after Nancy was reported missing—Pima County Sheriff’s Department revealed they still have “no suspects [or] persons of interest” in the case.
An alleged ransom note was sent to various news outlets in the days following Guthrie’s abduction. TMZ, which first reported receiving a letter, revealed the notice had two deadlines. The first, Thursday, February 5, at 5 p.m. has passed. The second deadline, Monday, February 9, “has more to do with consequences.”
