Al Roker Reflects on Significance of Savannah Guthrie's 'Today' Show Return Date

Guthrie will return to the NBC morning show on Monday, April 6, the day after Easter Sunday.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:38pm

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After a two-month absence following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie will return to the 'Today' show on Monday, April 6. During a conversation with her colleague Hoda Kotb that aired on March 27, Guthrie opened up about her decision to come back, saying she wants her 'joy to be her protest' and that 'God is how I'm holding hands with my mom.' Al Roker commented on the religious significance of Guthrie's return date, noting it's the Monday after Easter Sunday, a time of 'resurrection' and 'rising.'

Why it matters

Guthrie's return to the 'Today' show after her mother's disappearance is a significant moment, both personally and professionally. Her emotional interview with Kotb shed light on her struggle with faith and the toll the ordeal has taken. Roker's comments about the symbolic timing of her return date on the Monday after Easter add further meaning to her comeback.

The details

Savannah Guthrie revealed in her interview with Hoda Kotb that she will be returning to the 'Today' show on Monday, April 6, following a two-month absence. Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, went missing on January 31 and has not been found. In the interview, Guthrie opened up about wrestling with her faith during this difficult time, saying 'God is how I'm holding hands with my mom.' Weatherman Al Roker commented on the religious significance of Guthrie's return date, noting it falls on the Monday after Easter Sunday, a time of 'resurrection' and 'rising.'

  • Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, was last seen on January 31, 2026.
  • Savannah Guthrie will return to the 'Today' show on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The 54-year-old co-anchor of the 'Today' show who has been absent for two months following the disappearance of her mother.

Hoda Kotb

Guthrie's colleague on the 'Today' show who conducted the emotional interview with her about her mother's disappearance and her decision to return to the program.

Al Roker

The weatherman on the 'Today' show who commented on the religious significance of Guthrie's return date falling on the Monday after Easter Sunday.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother who went missing on January 31, 2026 and has not been found.

Camron Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's brother, a former military intelligence officer and fighter pilot, who suspected his mother may have been kidnapped for ransom due to Savannah's fame.

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What they’re saying

“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

“Yes, yes, I had no thought about that. Yes.”

— Craig Melvin, Co-anchor

“And [Savannah] had too, you know.”

— Jenna Bush Hager

“It's hard to imagine doing it because it's such a place of joy and lightness, and 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, Co-anchor

“Well, where else would I go?”

— Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's mother

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 on the Monday after Easter Sunday holds deep personal and symbolic meaning as she grapples with her mother's disappearance. Her colleagues' comments reflect the support and significance of this moment, underscoring the importance of community and faith during difficult times.