Hoda Kotb Anchors 'Today' as Hosts Get Choked Up Over Savannah Guthrie's Mom

Kotb joined Craig Melvin at the 'Today' desk as Savannah Guthrie remains with her family in Arizona.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Hoda Kotb returned to co-anchor NBC's Today alongside Craig Melvin as Savannah Guthrie remains in Tucson, Arizona, supporting her family during the ongoing search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. The Today hosts and viewers expressed emotional support and solidarity for Savannah and her family, sharing heartfelt messages and prayers on air and online. Authorities continue to investigate Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, with blood evidence found at her home, a $50,000 reward offered, and multiple ransom notes received, though their legitimacy remains unconfirmed.

Why it matters

This story highlights the personal challenges facing high-profile news personalities and the outpouring of support from their colleagues and viewers during difficult times. It also sheds light on the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance and the impact it is having on her family and the local community.

The details

Sheinelle Jones filled in for Savannah Guthrie all of last week as she remains with her family in Tucson, Arizona. On the Monday, February 9 episode of Today, Savannah's former co-anchor, Hoda Kotb, joined Craig Melvin at the hosting desk. During the 'Morning Boost' segment, Kotb and her colleagues got emotional as they shared messages of support from viewers for the Guthrie family. Officials have revealed that blood found on Nancy Guthrie's porch was identified as hers, and a $50,000 reward has been offered for information about her whereabouts or those responsible for her alleged abduction. Savannah and her siblings have also released a plea video via Instagram, responding to a reported ransom note, though its legitimacy remains unconfirmed.

  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1 after last being seen at her home the night prior.
  • On Thursday, February 5, officials revealed that blood found on the home's porch was identified as Nancy's and announced a $50,000 reward.
  • On Saturday, February 7, Savannah and her siblings released another plea video via Instagram, sharing that they will pay in exchange for their mother's return.

The players

Hoda Kotb

A former co-anchor of NBC's Today show who returned to the program to fill in for Savannah Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

The current co-anchor of NBC's Today show who is supporting her family in Tucson, Arizona during the ongoing search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's mother who was reported missing on February 1 after last being seen at her home the night prior.

Craig Melvin

The current co-anchor of NBC's Today show who hosted the program alongside Hoda Kotb.

Jenna Bush Hager

A co-host of NBC's Today show who expressed emotional support for the Guthrie family during the 'Morning Boost' segment.

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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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.