Savannah Guthrie returns to NBC’s ‘Today’ for the first time since her mother went missing

Savannah Guthrie returned to her role as an anchor on the “Today” show on Monday, marking her first time on air since her mother mysteriously disappeared eight weeks ago. The case remains unsolved.

Savannah Guthrie, 54, smoothly returned to her role as co-host this morning. She quickly mentioned her time away before diving right into the day’s news headlines on NBC’s morning show.

“We are so glad you started your week with us and it is good to be home,” Guthrie told viewers.

“Yes, it is good to have you back home,” said her co-anchor Craig Melvin.

“Well, here we go ready or not — let’s do the news,” she said.

Guthrie led the first interview on the program, speaking with military analyst Colonel Steve Warren about the rescue of the pilot shot down over Iran over the weekend.

She chatted playfully with Melvin while introducing the segment about UCLA’s victory over South Carolina in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship.

“UCLA just crushed South Carolina,” Guthrie said.

“That’s a little strong,” Melvin said in defense of his home town team.

“It’s strong but appropriate,” she said.

Guthrie and Melvin exchanged smiles and a handshake just before the show paused for local commercials. She seemed relaxed and cheerful during the entire broadcast.

A crowd of excited fans waited outside the studio in Rockefeller Plaza, New York, many holding signs saying “Welcome Back, Savannah.” Savannah Guthrie became emotional as she walked into the plaza during the show’s second hour, greeted by loud cheers.

Guthrie addressed the crowd, saying, “It means so much to us to see such incredible support. My family and I have received countless kind letters and felt all your prayers. Thank you all so very much.”

For the past two months, Guthrie has been in her hometown of Tucson following the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. Nancy was last seen on January 31st, spending time with her family.

Police suspect Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home in Catalina Foothills that night against her will, as she left behind essential items like her phone, wallet, car, and medication. The investigation into what happened to her is still active.

While taking time away from her work on “Today,” Guthrie created videos documenting her emotional response to the abduction of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, and publicly appealed for her safe return. So far, the investigation hasn’t turned up any helpful information.

With Guthrie returning to “Today,” Nancy Guthrie’s case is likely to receive renewed attention, as media coverage had previously decreased.

Savannah Guthrie choosing to continue working while grieving is good news for the “Today” show. A long break or her leaving would have been a problem, especially now when it’s harder for traditional TV to keep viewers with so many other entertainment options available.

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Savannah Guthrie is the second most experienced on-air personality with the ‘Today’ show, following Al Roker. She began with the show’s third hour in 2011 and became a co-host of the main two hours, from 7 to 9 a.m., in 2012, replacing Ann Curry.

Guthrie has successfully navigated difficult times during her time with “Today.” There was strong negative reaction from viewers when her replacement, Curry – who was very popular with the audience – was removed from the show.

In 2017, Matt Lauer, who had been a co-host on “Today” for many years, was fired following accusations of sexual harassment and assault against a show producer.

When Matt Lauer left, many thought he couldn’t be replaced. However, Savannah Guthrie, working with co-host Hoda Kotb who was promoted following Lauer’s departure, provided stability to the show, and it didn’t experience any drop in viewership during the change.

Photographers and video crews gathered outside the studio in Rockefeller Plaza, where the show is broadcast live every weekday.

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2026-04-06 16:01