Jenna Bush Hager Praises Savannah Guthrie's Emotional Today Interview Amid 'Despair'

Guthrie plans to return to the Today show on April 6, two months after her mother's abduction

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:35pm

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Jenna Bush Hager became emotional while discussing Savannah Guthrie's recent interview with Hoda Kotb on the Today show, where Guthrie opened up about the ongoing investigation into her mother Nancy's abduction. Bush Hager praised Guthrie's bravery and vulnerability in sharing her pain and heartbreak with viewers during this difficult time.

Why it matters

Guthrie's return to the Today show on April 6, the Monday after Easter, is seen as a symbolic moment of resilience and hope following the tragedy of her mother's disappearance. Her colleagues have expressed their support and the significance of her comeback during this challenging period.

The details

Savannah Guthrie has been absent from the Today show since February 1 when her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Guthrie traveled to Arizona to be with her family for weeks as the investigation continued, but no suspects have been named so far. In her emotional interview with Hoda Kotb, Guthrie shared her pain, faith, and family during this 'despair'.

  • Savannah Guthrie plans to return to the Today show on April 6, two months after her mother's abduction.
  • Guthrie's interview with Hoda Kotb aired on the Today show on Friday, March 27.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

A longtime journalist and co-anchor of the Today show, whose 84-year-old mother Nancy was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1.

Jenna Bush Hager

A co-host on the Today show and close friend of Savannah Guthrie, who praised Guthrie's bravery and vulnerability in sharing her pain and heartbreak with viewers during this difficult time.

Hoda Kotb

The co-anchor of the Today show, who conducted the emotional interview with Savannah Guthrie about the ongoing investigation into her mother's abduction.

Al Roker

The weatherman on the Today show, who commented on the symbolic significance of Savannah Guthrie's return date being the Monday after Easter.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, who was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1.

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What they’re saying

“She has been braver than I can even imagine. She has been so vulnerable. I mean, she took her pain, her heart, her faith, her family in the midst of her despair, she laid it on the table for all of us. She didn't have to do that. And she has. And I think of all of those people who've had heartbreak, they feel seen.”

— Jenna Bush Hager, Co-host, Today show

“What's wonderful, it's almost symbolic after Easter and the resurrection, the rising, I think as a family we'll hold hands and help her.”

— Al Roker, Weatherman, Today show

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the resilience and support of the Today show family as they rally around their colleague Savannah Guthrie during this unimaginably difficult time, demonstrating the power of community and compassion in the face of tragedy.