Hoda Kotb Withdraws from Olympics Coverage Amid Search for Savannah Guthrie's Mom

Peter Alexander to replace Kotb in NBC's Winter Olympics broadcast team

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Former Today Show host Hoda Kotb has decided to withdraw from NBC's coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Kotb's decision comes as her former co-host Savannah Guthrie continues the search for her missing 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was last seen on January 31st in Catalina Foothills, Arizona. Kotb's replacement on the Olympics broadcast team will be Peter Alexander, who anchors the Saturday edition of Today.

Why it matters

Kotb's withdrawal is the latest development in the ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie's mother, which has already led to the departure of another Today Show personality, Craig Melvin. The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has become a major news story, with authorities launching a criminal investigation after finding evidence of possible foul play.

The details

Hoda Kotb, who has covered both the Summer and Winter Olympics in the past, reportedly opted not to participate in the 2026 Winter Games coverage due to the ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie's mother. Kotb's former colleague, Craig Melvin, had previously withdrawn from Olympics coverage for the same reason. Peter Alexander, the Saturday Today anchor, will now take Kotb's place on the NBC broadcast team.

  • Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, was last seen on January 31, 2026 around 9:45 p.m. at her residence in Catalina Foothills, Arizona.
  • Hoda Kotb announced her withdrawal from the 2026 Winter Olympics coverage in early February 2026.

The players

Hoda Kotb

Former co-host of the Today Show who has covered past Olympic Games for NBC.

Savannah Guthrie

Current co-anchor of the Today Show whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, has gone missing in Catalina Foothills, Arizona.

Peter Alexander

Anchor of the Saturday edition of the Today Show, who will replace Hoda Kotb in NBC's coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Nancy Guthrie

84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie who was last seen on January 31, 2026 at her residence in Catalina Foothills, Arizona.

Craig Melvin

Former Today Show co-host who also withdrew from Olympics coverage due to the search for Savannah Guthrie's mother.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, with no person of interest identified as of yet. The Pima County Sheriff's Department and FBI are urging anyone with information to come forward.

The takeaway

Hoda Kotb's withdrawal from the 2026 Winter Olympics coverage is a testament to the personal and professional challenges faced by the Today Show team as they support Savannah Guthrie during this difficult time. The search for Nancy Guthrie has become a major news story, underscoring the importance of community support and cooperation with law enforcement in missing persons cases.