Al Roker Sees Symbolic Meaning in Savannah Guthrie's Today Show Return

The longtime Today co-host made an insightful observation about the timing of Guthrie's comeback.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a soft, warm light, conceptually representing the emotional fragility and resilience of a TV personality returning to the spotlight after a personal crisis.The glittering shards of a broken window reflect the complex emotions surrounding Savannah Guthrie's return to the Today show after a difficult personal ordeal.Catalina Foothills Today

Savannah Guthrie is set to return to the Today show on April 6, just a day after Easter Sunday. Al Roker noted that the timing of her return is 'almost symbolic' given the religious significance of Easter and the 'resurrection' or 'rising' that it represents. Roker expressed that Guthrie's colleagues will be there to 'hold hands and help her' as she comes back after a leave of absence due to her mother's disappearance.

Why it matters

Guthrie's return to the Today show after a difficult personal ordeal is an important moment, both for her personally and for the show's viewers who have followed her story. Roker's observation about the symbolic timing of her comeback adds an extra layer of meaning and resonance to her return.

The details

Savannah Guthrie has been on leave from the Today show since February 2026 following the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, in Catalina Foothills, Arizona. Authorities have been investigating the case, and the Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward. Guthrie recently participated in a tearful interview discussing the situation. She is set to officially resume her co-anchor duties on the morning show on April 6, the day after Easter Sunday.

  • Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, was last seen on January 31, 2026 at her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona.
  • Savannah Guthrie will return to the Today show on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Easter Sunday is on April 5, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the Today show who has been on leave due to her mother's disappearance.

Al Roker

The longtime Today show weatherman and co-host who made an insightful observation about the timing of Guthrie's return.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother who went missing from her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona on January 31, 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What's wonderful is it's almost symbolic after Easter and the resurrection — the rising. I think, as a family, we'll hold hands and help her.”

— Al Roker, Today Show Co-Host

What’s next

Savannah Guthrie is set to officially return to the Today show on Monday, April 6, 2026, the day after Easter Sunday.

The takeaway

Al Roker's insightful observation about the symbolic timing of Savannah Guthrie's return to the Today show after her personal ordeal highlights the significance of her comeback and the support she will receive from her colleagues and the show's viewers.