Savannah Guthrie Steps Away From 'Today' Mid-Show Amid Mom's Disappearance

The 'Today' anchor's sudden exit raised concerns as the FBI analyzes new DNA evidence in the ongoing search for her missing 84-year-old mother.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered, glittering glass texture in muted shades of blue and grey, conveying a sense of fragmentation and uncertainty.The abrupt departure of 'Today' anchor Savannah Guthrie amid her mother's disappearance has cast a somber tone over the typically upbeat morning show.West Palm Beach Today

Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC's 'Today' show, unexpectedly stepped away from the live broadcast on Wednesday, April 15, amid the ongoing search for her 84-year-old mother Nancy, who went missing on February 1. The FBI is now analyzing potentially critical DNA evidence from Guthrie's mother's home as part of the investigation into her suspected kidnapping.

Why it matters

Guthrie's sudden departure from the 'Today' show mid-episode raised concerns among viewers about the status of the search for her missing mother. The case has garnered national attention, with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies working to uncover leads and identify suspects in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The details

According to reports, Savannah Guthrie was set to interview actress Anne Hathaway, but the segment was instead conducted by longtime 'Today' co-anchor Hoda Kotb. Guthrie later returned to the show, but her sudden exit was never addressed on air. The FBI has now received and is analyzing DNA samples from Nancy Guthrie's home, which were sent by a private Florida lab working with the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Authorities believe the DNA analysis could provide a critical lead in the case, which has been ongoing for over two months.

  • On April 15, 2026, Savannah Guthrie stepped away from the 'Today' show mid-broadcast.
  • On April 16, 2026, ABC News reported that the FBI received and is analyzing DNA evidence from Nancy Guthrie's home.
  • On April 6, 2026, multiple purported ransom notes were sent to TMZ regarding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the 'Today' show, whose 84-year-old mother Nancy went missing on February 1, 2026.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, who went missing on February 1, 2026, and is the subject of an ongoing FBI investigation.

Hoda Kotb

A longtime 'Today' show co-anchor who filled in for Savannah Guthrie during her mid-show departure.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who has provided updates on the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Anne Hathaway

The actress Savannah Guthrie was originally scheduled to interview before her unexpected exit from the show.

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What they’re saying

“It could take six more months for the sample to be identified as the strands need to be separated and isolated.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff

What’s next

The FBI and local law enforcement agencies will continue to analyze the DNA evidence from Nancy Guthrie's home in hopes of uncovering a critical lead in the ongoing investigation into her suspected kidnapping.

The takeaway

Savannah Guthrie's sudden departure from the 'Today' show has heightened public concern over the status of the search for her missing mother, underscoring the personal toll the case has taken on the high-profile news anchor. The FBI's analysis of new DNA evidence could prove pivotal in finally providing answers and progress in the months-long investigation.