Savannah Guthrie Expected to Return to 'Today,' Timeline Uncertain

NBC's morning show host takes time off amid search for her missing mother.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC's 'Today' show, is expected to return to the program, though the timeline for her return is unclear as she deals with the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, from her home in southern Arizona. Guthrie has been given the freedom to take the time she needs, and producers are working to fill her role in the meantime, while also being considerate in how they cover this major story involving one of their own.

Why it matters

Guthrie's absence from 'Today' is a significant event, as she has been a fixture on the morning show since 2012. Her personal tragedy has also become a major news story, with the network needing to balance coverage of the search for her mother with sensitivity towards their colleague.

The details

Guthrie left NBC's airwaves after her mother was reported missing on February 1. Sheinelle Jones and Hoda Kotb have filled in for Guthrie during her absence. Guthrie and her family are offering a $1 million reward for information leading to her mother's rescue or recovery, and she has acknowledged the tragic possibility that her mother 'may be lost,' though the family still 'believe[s] in a miracle.'

  • Guthrie's mother was reported missing on February 1, 2026.
  • It has been nearly four weeks since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of NBC's 'Today' show who has taken time off to deal with the disappearance of her mother.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother who was reported missing from her home in southern Arizona on February 1, 2026.

Sheinelle Jones

The co-host of the fourth hour of 'Today' who has filled in for Savannah Guthrie during her absence.

Hoda Kotb

The former co-host of 'Today' who has returned to the show on an interim basis to fill Savannah Guthrie's role.

Katie Couric

The former co-anchor of 'Today' who commented on the 'unprecedented' circumstances surrounding Savannah Guthrie's absence.

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What they’re saying

“When something happens to a member of these very close-knit teams, it is devastating, I think, to everyone. It must be excruciating to try to carry on, but also to cover a story about a beloved colleague.”

— Katie Couric (Variety)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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