Savannah Guthrie's 'Today' Co-Anchor Duties Remain Uncertain

Hoda Kotb steps in as Guthrie focuses on finding her abducted mother

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Savannah Guthrie has been absent from her co-anchor duties on the 'Today' show since early February, after her 84-year-old mother Nancy was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. In the immediate aftermath, Sheinelle Jones filled in for Guthrie as she focused on the search for her mother. Hoda Kotb has since returned to her former role, co-anchoring the show for the week of February 23, but Guthrie's long-term status remains uncertain as she prioritizes finding her missing parent.

Why it matters

Guthrie's absence has created uncertainty around the 'Today' show's anchor lineup, as she is a longtime co-host and a familiar face to viewers. Her mother's abduction is also a concerning personal tragedy that has understandably taken precedence over her television duties.

The details

In the week following Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, Sheinelle Jones stepped in to fill Savannah Guthrie's co-anchor role. Hoda Kotb then returned to her former position on February 9 and is set to continue co-anchoring the show for the week of February 23. However, a source close to Savannah Guthrie told People magazine that she remains focused on finding her mother and that is her top priority at this time.

  • 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 duties on February 9, 2026.
  • Hoda Kotb is set to continue co-anchoring 'Today' for the week of February 23, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

A longtime co-anchor of the 'Today' show who has been absent from her duties 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 in early February 2026.

Sheinelle Jones

A 'Today' show correspondent who filled in as co-anchor in Savannah Guthrie's absence during the week of February 2, 2026.

Hoda Kotb

A former 'Today' show co-anchor who has returned to that role for the week of February 23, 2026 while Savannah Guthrie remains focused on finding her mother.

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The takeaway

Savannah Guthrie's absence from the 'Today' show highlights the personal tragedy she is facing with her mother's abduction, and the uncertainty it has created around the show's anchor lineup. Her colleagues have stepped in to fill the void, but Guthrie's long-term status remains unclear as she understandably prioritizes finding her missing parent.