Hoda Kotb Fills In As 'Today' Co-Host As Search Continues For Savannah Guthrie's Mother

Kotb returns to the anchor desk while Guthrie remains with her family in Arizona following her mother's suspected abduction.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Hoda Kotb has returned to the Today show anchor desk to fill in for Savannah Guthrie, whose mother Nancy has been missing for over a week. Authorities are treating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance from her Tucson-area home as an abduction, and the Guthrie siblings have released a new video pleading with the suspected kidnappers to return their mother. Kotb, who co-hosted Today with Guthrie from 2018 to 2025, will remain on the show while Guthrie stays with her family in Arizona.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother is a high-profile news story that has captured national attention, especially given Guthrie's prominent role as a Today show co-host. Kotb's return to the anchor desk helps ensure continuity for the show's viewers during this difficult time for the Guthrie family.

The details

Authorities say there are still no suspects or person of interest in what they are treating as an abduction of Nancy Guthrie from her Tucson-area home. On Saturday, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a new video speaking directly to their mother's suspected kidnappers, begging them to return Nancy Guthrie so the family can celebrate with her. NBC News has reported that this latest message was in response to a second note received by a local Tucson TV station.

  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing for more than a week.
  • Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a new video on Saturday pleading for their mother's return.
  • Hoda Kotb returned to the Today anchor desk on Monday to fill in for Savannah Guthrie.

The players

Hoda Kotb

A former co-host of the Today show, who has returned to the anchor desk to fill in for Savannah Guthrie while Guthrie remains with her family.

Savannah Guthrie

The current co-host of the Today show, whose mother Nancy has been missing for over a week and is suspected to have been abducted from her Tucson-area home.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's mother, who has been missing for over a week and is the suspected victim of an abduction from her Tucson-area home.

Craig Melvin

A co-host of the Today show, who welcomed Hoda Kotb back to the anchor desk on Monday.

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What they’re saying

“We know things are far from normal right now, so folks, we are asking for your grace as we continue to do this.”

— Craig Melvin, Co-host, Today show (Deadline)

“Paramount through all of this — Savannah and her family are our top priority. In addition to that, there is also a job to do.”

— Hoda Kotb, Co-host, Today show (Deadline)

“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Deadline)

What’s next

Authorities continue to search Nancy Guthrie's property for any clues about her disappearance, and the Guthrie family awaits word from her suspected kidnappers.

The takeaway

The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother has become a high-profile national news story, highlighting the personal challenges public figures can face and the importance of community support during difficult times.