Hoda Kotb Absent From 'Today' This Week Ahead of Savannah Guthrie's Return

Savannah Guthrie will return to the NBC morning show on Monday, April 6 as the investigation into her mother's disappearance continues.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:28pm

An extreme close-up of shattered glass reflecting a faint TV studio light, conveying a sense of uncertainty and disruption in the Today show's anchor lineup.The disruption in Today's anchor lineup reflects the ongoing investigation into Savannah Guthrie's mother's disappearance.Tucson Today

Hoda Kotb has been absent from NBC's Today show all week, with Savannah Guthrie's primary replacement as the investigation into Guthrie's missing mother, Nancy, continues. Savannah will return to Today's Studio 1A on Monday, April 6, while Kotb has not appeared on the show since March 27. Other hosts like Sheinelle Jones and Laura Jarrett have filled in for Kotb this week, and there is speculation that Kotb may not appear on Monday's episode to allow the focus to be on Savannah and Craig Melvin's anchor partnership.

Why it matters

Kotb's absence comes as Savannah Guthrie prepares to return to Today after taking time off to deal with her mother's disappearance. Kotb has been a longtime co-anchor on the show, and her week-long absence has sparked speculation about her future role on the program.

The details

Hoda Kotb has been absent from NBC's Today show all week, with Savannah Guthrie's primary replacement as the investigation into Guthrie's missing mother, Nancy, continues. Other hosts like Sheinelle Jones and Laura Jarrett have filled in for Kotb this week. There is speculation that Kotb may not appear on Monday's episode when Savannah returns, as the show wants the focus to be on Savannah and Craig Melvin's anchor partnership.

  • Savannah Guthrie has been absent from Today since early February when her mother, Nancy, was reported missing.
  • Hoda Kotb returned to Today in February to serve as Savannah's primary replacement.
  • Kotb has not appeared on Today since Friday, March 27.
  • Savannah Guthrie will return to Today's Studio 1A on Monday, April 6.

The players

Hoda Kotb

A longtime co-anchor of NBC's Today show who has been absent from the program all week.

Savannah Guthrie

The primary co-anchor of Today who has been absent from the show since early February as she deals with her mother's disappearance, but will return on April 6.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's mother, who was reported missing in early February, sparking an ongoing investigation.

Sheinelle Jones

A Today show host who has filled in for Kotb this week while she has been absent.

Laura Jarrett

A Today show host who has also filled in for Kotb this week while she has been absent.

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What they’re saying

“In a recent Substack post, sources allegedly told journalist Rob Shuter that Kotb will miss Monday's episode, as the show wants the focus to be on Savannah and Craig Melvin's anchor partnership.”

— Rob Shuter, Journalist

What’s next

Savannah Guthrie will return to Today's Studio 1A on Monday, April 6 as the investigation into her mother's disappearance continues.

The takeaway

Hoda Kotb's absence from Today this week ahead of Savannah Guthrie's return highlights the ongoing changes and uncertainty surrounding the show's anchor lineup as it navigates the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.