Savannah Guthrie Withdraws from NBC's Winter Olympics Coverage

The Today Show host pulls out after her 84-year-old mother went missing in Arizona.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:15am

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Savannah Guthrie, the 54-year-old co-host of NBC's Today Show, has withdrawn from the network's coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Guthrie's decision comes after her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, was reported missing over the weekend near her home in Tucson, Arizona. Guthrie will no longer travel to Italy to co-host the Opening Ceremony as previously planned, citing the 'deeply personal' family matter. Authorities continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, who has no history of dementia or similar conditions, with homicide detectives now involved in the investigation.

Why it matters

Savannah Guthrie is one of NBC's most prominent on-air personalities, having been a fixture on the Today Show for 15 years. Her withdrawal from the network's Olympics coverage is a significant disruption, as she was slated to play a key role in the broadcast. The disappearance of her elderly mother also raises serious concerns and highlights the challenges families can face when a loved one goes missing.

The details

Guthrie had been scheduled to co-host the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday, February 6, alongside veteran broadcaster Terry Gannon and Olympic gold medalist Shaun White. However, the news of her mother's disappearance has led Guthrie to cancel her travel plans to Italy and withdraw from the network's coverage. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on Saturday evening near her home in Tucson, Arizona. Authorities have expressed concern that she may not survive without access to her medications, and have taken the unusual step of involving homicide detectives in the investigation.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Saturday, February 1, 2026 near her home in Tucson, Arizona.
  • Savannah Guthrie was scheduled to co-host NBC's coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The 54-year-old co-host of NBC's Today Show, who has withdrawn from the network's coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics due to a family emergency.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, who went missing on Saturday, February 1, 2026 near her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Terry Gannon

A veteran broadcaster who was set to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony with Savannah Guthrie.

Shaun White

An Olympic gold medalist who was also scheduled to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony with Savannah Guthrie and Terry Gannon.

Craig Melvin

Savannah Guthrie's co-host on the Today Show, who described the situation as 'deeply personal' on Monday's broadcast.

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What they’re saying

“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”

— Savannah Guthrie

What’s next

Authorities continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, with homicide detectives now involved in the investigation. The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Savannah Guthrie time off from her Today Show duties to focus on the search for her mother.

The takeaway

Savannah Guthrie's withdrawal from NBC's Olympics coverage underscores the personal challenges public figures can face, even as they maintain high-profile careers. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting families during times of crisis and the need for compassion when personal matters disrupt professional obligations.