Katie Couric Shares Insight on Savannah Guthrie's 'Today' Absence

Couric expresses support for Guthrie family amid investigation into mother Nancy's disappearance.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Former 'Today' anchor Katie Couric has shared her perspective on how the NBC morning show is handling Savannah Guthrie's ongoing absence as the investigation into Guthrie's mother Nancy's disappearance continues. Couric praised Hoda Kotb for stepping in to fill Guthrie's role and expressed sympathy for the Guthrie family during this difficult time.

Why it matters

Savannah Guthrie's absence from 'Today' due to the investigation into her mother's disappearance has been a major story, with viewers and the media closely following the developments. Couric's insights as a former 'Today' anchor provide valuable perspective on how the show is navigating this unprecedented situation.

The details

Savannah Guthrie has been missing from 'Today' since her mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1. Sheinelle Jones initially joined Craig Melvin as a co-host, before Guthrie's former co-anchor Hoda Kotb returned to the show during the week of February 9 to fill in. Couric praised Kotb's 'seamless' return and said the 'Today' crew is 'doing the best they possibly can' to handle the difficult circumstances.

  • Savannah Guthrie has been absent from 'Today' since February 1, when her mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing.
  • Hoda Kotb returned to 'Today' during the week of February 9 to fill in for Savannah Guthrie.

The players

Katie Couric

A former anchor of the 'Today' show, who provided insight into how the show is handling Savannah Guthrie's absence.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the 'Today' show, who has been absent from the program amid the investigation into her mother Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Hoda Kotb

Savannah Guthrie's former co-anchor on 'Today', who has returned to the show to fill in during Guthrie's absence.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's mother, who was reported missing on February 1, leading to Savannah's absence from 'Today'.

Craig Melvin

The co-anchor of 'Today' who has been hosting alongside Sheinelle Jones during Savannah Guthrie's absence.

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What they’re saying

“This situation is tragically unprecedented, and I think it's really hard to compare anything else to what Savannah and her family are dealing with right now.”

— Katie Couric, Former 'Today' anchor (Variety)

“They are fortunate that Hoda, who is a familiar and beloved face, is able to step in so seamlessly under very difficult circumstances.”

— Katie Couric, Former 'Today' anchor (Variety)

What’s next

Hoda Kotb will continue to fill in for Savannah Guthrie on an interim basis, but Guthrie is expected to return to 'Today' eventually, on her own timeline.

The takeaway

The 'Today' show is navigating an unprecedented situation with compassion and care, as they support Savannah Guthrie and her family during the investigation into her mother's disappearance, while also maintaining the show's operations with the help of familiar faces like Hoda Kotb.