Savannah Guthrie Returns to 'Today' Show After Mom's Disappearance

The 'Today' team is supporting Guthrie's comeback, but know her grief will take time to heal.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:50pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and glittering shards, conceptually representing the fragility and uncertainty Savannah Guthrie is navigating as she returns to the 'Today' show after her mother's disappearance.The glittering, high-fashion textures of Savannah Guthrie's return to the 'Today' show belie the emotional fragility she faces as she continues to search for answers about her mother's disappearance.Tucson Today

Savannah Guthrie, 54, has returned to her role as co-anchor of the 'Today' show after a two-month hiatus following the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, in late January. Guthrie's 'Today' show family is 'happy' to have her back, but they are also approaching her return 'realistically', knowing that things will not go back to normal immediately as she continues to grapple with the unanswered questions surrounding her mother's disappearance.

Why it matters

Savannah Guthrie's return to the 'Today' show is a significant moment, as she navigates the grief and uncertainty of her mother's disappearance while also resuming her high-profile role on national television. Her colleagues are offering support, but recognize that the healing process will be gradual as Guthrie balances her professional and personal life.

The details

Guthrie, who has been a co-anchor on the 'Today' show since 2012, took a two-month hiatus after her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing in late January in Arizona. Nancy was last seen after having dinner with her other daughter, Annie Guthrie, and son-in-law Tomasso Cioni. The FBI has released footage of a masked man they believe could be the assailant, but no suspects have been identified. Savannah quickly traveled to Arizona to be with her siblings during the search, and has since issued multiple public statements and offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her mother's recovery.

  • On February 1, 2026, Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in Arizona.
  • On February 10, 2026, the FBI released photos and video footage from Nancy's door camera of a masked man they thought could be the assailant.
  • Savannah Guthrie returned to the 'Today' show on April 6, 2026, two months after her mother's disappearance.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The 54-year-old co-anchor of the 'Today' show, who took a two-month hiatus following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, who was reported missing in late January 2026 in Arizona.

Annie Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's sister, who had dinner with Nancy Guthrie the night she disappeared.

Tomasso Cioni

Savannah Guthrie's brother-in-law, who had dinner with Nancy Guthrie and Annie Guthrie the night she disappeared.

Camron Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's brother, who is also searching for their missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.

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What they’re saying

“When I look at the Today show, it's the answer to all of my dreams, actually better than my dreams. It's hard to imagine doing it because it's such a place of joy and lightness. I can't come back and try to be something that I'm not. But I can't not come back because it's my family. I think it's part of my purpose right now. I want to smile, and when I do, it will be real. And my joy will be my protest. My joy will be my answer.”

— Savannah Guthrie

“Good morning, welcome to Today on this Monday morning. We are so glad you started your week with us, and it is good to be home.”

— Savannah Guthrie

“[It's] so good to have you back.”

— Craig Melvin

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Savannah Guthrie's return to the 'Today' show is a testament to her strength and resilience, as she navigates the grief and uncertainty surrounding her mother's disappearance. Her colleagues are offering support, but recognize that the healing process will be gradual as Guthrie balances her professional and personal life.