Insiders close to NBC have confirmed that Savannah Guthrie plans to resume her hosting duties on the network's flagship morning program, Today, following her extended absence. The 54-year-old anchor stepped away from the show at the beginning of February as the search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, intensified.
Mother's Disappearance and Alleged Kidnapping
Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was last seen on January 31 at her residence near Tucson, Arizona. The investigation into her disappearance has now entered its fourth week, with authorities treating the case as an alleged kidnapping. A series of ransom notes have been sent to various news outlets, demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy's safe return.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have responded by releasing several emotional videos, directly addressing the alleged kidnappers to express their willingness to pay the ransom. The family has also offered a substantial reward of $1 million for any information that leads to Nancy's location, although Savannah has acknowledged in a recent video that her mother "may already be gone." The identity of the kidnappers remains unknown, adding to the urgency and complexity of the investigation.
Support from Today Show Colleagues
During Guthrie's absence, her former co-host Hoda Kotb has temporarily returned to the Today show, filling in after her own departure in January 2025. Kotb has publicly shared her support for Savannah, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the Today team.
"I think there's this helpless feeling. We're all so close with her, and we all want to help her," Kotb stated on her first day back. "They say love is patient, love is kind. Put prayers up, that's all we can do."
Kotb also highlighted the overwhelming public support, recounting how viewers have approached her with messages of encouragement. "The number of people who came up and said, one thing they kept repeating, which just struck me, is, 'She's like all of our moms. She's like all of our moms. Tell her we're praying. Tell her we're here,'" she shared during a recent episode.
Future on Today Show
Despite the ongoing personal crisis, sources indicate that Savannah Guthrie is committed to returning to her role on Today. One insider told CNN that "her Today family will welcome her back with open arms on her timeline," underscoring the network's support during this difficult period.
The Independent has reached out to NBC and representatives for Savannah Guthrie for further comment, but no additional statements have been released at this time. As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, the broadcasting community and viewers alike await updates on both the investigation and Savannah's eventual return to the morning show.
