Savannah Guthrie is set to make a comeback as a co-host on NBC’s morning show, Today, following an absence of nearly two months due to her 84-year-old mother’s disappearance. In an interview, Guthrie expressed her determination to find joy amidst the difficult circumstances, stating that her happiness will serve as a form of protest.
Hoda Kotb, who has been standing in for Guthrie, announced on Friday, following an emotional conversation with Guthrie, that Guthrie is expected to return on April 6. Guthrie admitted to feeling uncertain about returning to a place of positivity and lightness, but emphasized her commitment to trying, driven by her sense of belonging to the show and her colleagues.
Despite grappling with the challenge of returning authentically, Guthrie emphasized the importance of being true to herself and her family. She expressed her belief that her presence on the show is a part of her current purpose and vowed to bring genuine smiles and joy to her role.
Nancy Guthrie went missing from her residence in Arizona on February 1, with authorities suspecting foul play such as kidnapping or abduction. The FBI released surveillance footage showing a masked individual outside Guthrie’s home the night she disappeared, though no new evidence has been made public in recent weeks. The Guthrie family has offered a $1 million US reward for information leading to her safe return.
Savannah Guthrie, who has been a co-host on NBC since 2012, also stepped back from covering the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics following her mother’s disappearance. While abductions are rare occurrences, the majority of missing person cases involve runaways rather than abductions.
Acknowledging her mother as one of the missing individuals, Guthrie has supported the Center for Missing and Exploited Children through donations. The organization highlighted the cases of three missing children in Arizona, underscoring the importance of public vigilance in aiding the search for missing individuals.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office reported that tips regarding Nancy Guthrie continue to be received, albeit at a reduced rate. Portions of Kotb’s interview with Savannah Guthrie were gradually released throughout the week, revealing insights into the investigation, including the discovery of blood and a missing camera near Nancy Guthrie’s residence.
Media outlets received ransom notes related to the case, prompting Guthrie and her siblings to respond to what they deemed credible threats. Guthrie expressed concerns that her public profile may have played a role in her mother’s disappearance, but stressed the family’s urgent need for closure and healing through obtaining information about her mother’s whereabouts.
Appealing to the public for any leads or information, Guthrie emphasized the family’s anguish and the necessity of uncovering the truth about her mother’s disappearance. A banner in Tucson, Arizona, displayed a photo of Nancy Guthrie surrounded by messages of support, symbolizing the community’s solidarity in the search for answers.
