Savannah Guthrie Takes Leave from 'The Today Show' Amid Mother's Disappearance

The NBC anchor is focusing on the investigation into her mother's mysterious disappearance in Tucson, Arizona.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's 'The Today Show', has taken a leave of absence from the program following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, in Tucson, Arizona. Nancy was reported missing on February 1 after failing to attend a church gathering, and authorities found a 'very concerning' scene at her home. Guthrie has spoken out to thank supporters and offer a $1 million reward for information, but has not indicated when she plans to return to 'The Today Show'. In her absence, Hoda Kotb has been filling in, with the show's co-anchors honoring Nancy by wearing yellow ribbons on air and providing daily updates on the investigation.

Why it matters

Savannah Guthrie is a beloved and respected figure on 'The Today Show', and her absence is deeply felt by both her colleagues and viewers. The mysterious disappearance of her mother has understandably taken priority, as Guthrie focuses on the search and investigation. This story highlights the human side of high-profile news anchors and the personal challenges they can face, even as they report on the news.

The details

Savannah Guthrie's final appearance on 'The Today Show' was on January 30, just two days before her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing in Tucson, Arizona. Authorities found a 'very concerning' scene at Nancy's home and released footage from her doorbell camera showing a masked man outside the morning she disappeared. Guthrie has spoken out to thank supporters, offer a $1 million reward, and plead for anyone with information to come forward. In her absence, Hoda Kotb has been filling in, with the show's co-anchors honoring Nancy by wearing yellow ribbons on air and providing daily updates on the investigation.

  • On January 30, 2026, Savannah Guthrie made her final appearance on 'The Today Show' before her mother's disappearance.
  • On February 1, 2026, Nancy Guthrie was reported missing after failing to attend a church gathering.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of NBC's 'The Today Show' and the network's chief legal correspondent, who has taken a leave of absence to focus on the investigation into her mother's disappearance.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's mother, who was reported missing on February 1, 2026, after authorities found a 'very concerning' scene at her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Hoda Kotb

The former co-anchor of 'The Today Show' who has been filling in for Savannah Guthrie during her absence.

Craig Melvin

Savannah Guthrie's co-anchor on 'The Today Show'.

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What they’re saying

“Living in this uncertainty is agonizing. It's really a plea for anybody because somebody does know something.”

— Hoda Kotb, Co-anchor, The Today Show (The Today Show)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This story highlights the personal challenges that high-profile news anchors can face, even as they report on the news. Savannah Guthrie's absence from 'The Today Show' underscores the human side of journalism and the importance of supporting colleagues and loved ones during difficult times.