NBC Weighs Options as Savannah Guthrie Remains Absent from 'Today'

The co-anchor has been away from the show since early February due to her mother's abduction.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Savannah Guthrie has been absent from her co-anchor duties on the Today show since February 2, after her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. While NBC sources expect Guthrie to eventually return, there is speculation about her future on the show and no confirmed timeline for her comeback. In the meantime, Sheinelle Jones and Hoda Kotb have been filling in, and NBC is reportedly considering promoting from within to replace Guthrie if she does not return.

Why it matters

Guthrie's absence has left a void on the popular morning show, and NBC must weigh its options to ensure a smooth transition if she does not return. The situation highlights the challenges networks face when high-profile talent faces personal crises.

The details

In the immediate aftermath of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, Sheinelle Jones filled in for Savannah during the week of February 2. Hoda Kotb then returned to her former role on February 9 and is set to continue co-anchoring for the week of February 23. NBC sources have told People that Savannah is focused on finding her mother and has the network's full support, with everyone 'taking it day by day, and praying for Nancy's safe return'.

  • Savannah Guthrie has been absent from Today since February 2, 2026.
  • Sheinelle Jones filled in for Guthrie during the week of February 2, 2026.
  • Hoda Kotb returned to co-anchor on February 9, 2026 and is set to continue for the week of February 23, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the Today show who has been absent since early February 2026 due to her mother's abduction.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother who was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Sheinelle Jones

A Today show host who filled in for Savannah Guthrie during the week of February 2, 2026.

Hoda Kotb

A Today show co-anchor who returned to her former role on February 9, 2026 and is set to continue co-anchoring for the week of February 23, 2026.

Jenna Bush Hager

The co-host of Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, which Sheinelle Jones recently joined.

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What they’re saying

“Savannah is with her family and focused on bringing her mom home. That's the priority, and she has the network's full support. Everyone's just taking it day by day, and praying for Nancy's safe return.”

— NBC Source (People)

What’s next

NBC sources reportedly expect Savannah Guthrie to eventually return to the Today show, but there is no confirmed timeline for her comeback. The network is weighing its options, including potentially promoting from within, to ensure a smooth transition if Guthrie does not return.

The takeaway

Savannah Guthrie's absence from the Today show due to her mother's abduction highlights the challenges networks face when high-profile talent faces personal crises. NBC must balance supporting Guthrie while also ensuring the show's continuity, underscoring the delicate nature of talent management in the television industry.