Mary Carillo to Host Olympic Opening Ceremony

Veteran commentator replaces Savannah Guthrie amid search for missing mother

Feb. 5, 2026 at 12:15am

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Veteran Olympic commentator Mary Carillo will replace Savannah Guthrie as co-host of the opening ceremony for the Milan Olympics on Friday. Guthrie withdrew from Olympic coverage as authorities in Arizona investigate the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, from her Tucson home.

Why it matters

Carillo's role as opening ceremony host is a high-profile position, and her appointment comes under unusual circumstances with Guthrie's mother missing. The lineup shuffle highlights the challenges NBC faces in covering the Olympics amid personal crises for its talent.

The details

Carillo, working her 17th Olympics, will join previously announced host Terry Gannon in the booth, with snowboard icon Shaun White joining them for the Parade of Athletes. Guthrie's Today co-host Craig Melvin, who had been slated to host Olympic Late Night from Milan, will also remain in the US, with Ahmed Fareed taking over that role.

  • The opening ceremony for the Milan Olympics will air on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night, February 1, 2026.

The players

Mary Carillo

A veteran sportscaster and former pro tennis player who will replace Savannah Guthrie as co-host of the Olympic opening ceremony.

Savannah Guthrie

The Today show co-host who withdrew from Olympic coverage as authorities investigate the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

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

Terry Gannon

The previously announced host who will join Mary Carillo in the booth for the Olympic opening ceremony.

Shaun White

The snowboard icon who will join Carillo and Gannon for the Parade of Athletes during the opening ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to have our full support.”

— Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President of NBC Olympics Production (NBC)

“We're fortunate to have a deep bench of talented commentators.”

— Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President of NBC Olympics Production (NBC)

What’s next

Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped, but no suspects or persons of interest have been identified. The Pima County Sheriff's Office continues to search for her.

The takeaway

Carillo's appointment as opening ceremony host highlights the challenges NBC faces in covering the Olympics amid personal crises for its talent. The network is relying on its deep bench of experienced commentators to navigate this difficult situation.