Savannah Guthrie's Family Crisis Grips 'Today' Show

Co-hosts rally around Guthrie as authorities search for her missing 84-year-old mother in Arizona.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:55am

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NBC's 'Today' show has rallied around co-host Savannah Guthrie this week as authorities in Tucson, Arizona search for her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, who went missing on Monday. Guthrie's colleagues, including Craig Melvin and Jenna Bush Hager, have extended their support both on-air and off, reflecting the close bonds of the 'Today' show family. The show's coverage has highlighted how the hosts are genuine friends who socialize outside of work, with faith being a uniting factor for many of them.

Why it matters

The 'Today' show has long promoted itself as 'America's first family,' and this crisis has underscored the deep personal connections between the hosts. While morning shows often try to position themselves as idealized families, the 'Today' show's close-knit dynamic is genuine, built over years of working together and supporting each other through both good times and tragedy.

The details

Savannah Guthrie released a statement on Monday urging the public to contact authorities with any information about her mother's disappearance. Her co-hosts, including Carson Daly, have expressed their personal prayers and support. The show's strong behind-the-scenes connections have been deepened by past heartbreaks, like the death of colleague Sheinelle Jones' husband in 2025, which Guthrie supported her through.

  • Nancy Guthrie went missing on Monday, February 3, 2026.
  • Savannah Guthrie released a statement about her mother's disappearance on Monday, February 3, 2026.
  • Savannah Guthrie posted on social media asking for prayers on Monday, February 3, 2026.
  • Carson Daly said he 'prayed harder than ever' for Savannah's mother on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of NBC's 'Today' show, who is dealing with the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother in Tucson, Arizona.

Craig Melvin

Savannah Guthrie's co-host on the 'Today' show, who has been extending his support to her during this family crisis.

Jenna Bush Hager

A co-host on the 'Today' show who said the situation with Savannah's mother is 'personal' for all of them who know and love her.

Carson Daly

A 'Today' show co-host who said he 'prayed harder than ever' for Savannah's mother after her disappearance.

Sheinelle Jones

A 'Today' show host who was supported by Savannah Guthrie when Jones' husband passed away from brain cancer in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I hit my knees and prayed. I don't think I've ever prayed for anything harder in my life.”

— Carson Daly, Co-host, Today show (CNN)

“For all of us who have gotten to know her and love her, it is personal.”

— Jenna Bush Hager, Co-host, Today show (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This crisis has highlighted the genuine family-like bonds between the 'Today' show hosts, who have supported each other through personal tragedies and challenges. It underscores how morning television can foster deep connections, even as the industry tries to position such shows as idealized families.