Hoda Kotb to co-anchor Today for another week as Savannah Guthrie stays with family

When a familiar face steps away from morning television, it usually comes with a clear reason and a clear timeline. Right now, that is not the case for Savannah Guthrie. Instead, her absence from the Today show has turned into something far more personal and far more urgent. Authorities have been searching for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, for weeks, and the situation is still unfolding.

As Savannah stays in Arizona with her family, the Today team in New York is doing what it can to keep the show moving while also making it clear that Savannah is not facing this alone.

What we know about the search for Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie, 54, has been in Tucson, Arizona, with her family since Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing on Feb. 1. Authorities have since determined that the 84-year-old was likely abducted from her home in the early morning hours.

One of the most unsettling details is what investigators saw on surveillance footage. Video from Nancy’s doorbell camera reportedly showed an armed, masked intruder disabling the camera before presumably entering the home. After weeks of searching, officials have not publicly identified any suspects or persons of interest.

That lack of answers is part of what makes this story feel so heavy. People want a clue to hold on to, a direction, a sign that the case is turning a corner. For now, the focus remains on continuing the search and bringing Nancy home.

Savannah Guthrie’s focus is where you would expect

Savannah has not been on the Today show during this time, and the reason is simple. Her family is the priority. “Savannah is with her family and focused on bringing her mom home,” a source tells PEOPLE. “That’s the priority, and she has the network’s full support. Everyone at Today is just taking it day by day, and praying for Nancy’s safe return.”

That quote captures the reality a lot of families face during a crisis like this. Regular routines stop. Work becomes secondary. Time is measured in updates, phone calls, and moments of hope.

Savannah and her siblings, Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie, have also filmed multiple videos sharing messages of hope and prayer as they wait for their mother’s return. It is a reminder that even public figures move through fear and uncertainty the same way anyone else would, by leaning on family, faith, and community.

Fun fact: Hoda Kotb stepped down from her primary Today co-anchor duties in January 2025 after 26 years with NBC, and her current stint filling in for Savannah Guthrie is her longest return to the anchor desk since that departure.

Hoda Kotb steps back into Studio 1A

While Savannah remains in Tucson, Hoda Kotb will continue filling in on the Today show. PEOPLE reports that Kotb, 61, is returning to Studio 1A for another week as the search continues.

Kotb has made several appearances on Today since her January 2025 exit, but this is her first extended stretch back in the role. And she explained why she came back in a way that felt personal, not polished.

“We always talk about our show as a family. We are a family,” Kotb shared with Melvin on the show earlier in February. “I’m part of the family. I’m happy to be with you because we show up for each other.”

If you have watched the Today show for years, you know that sense of closeness is a big part of what viewers connect with. This moment is putting that idea to the test in real time.

The Today team shows support in visible ways

Support can look like a lot of things. In this case, it has been both practical and symbolic. Kotb and Craig Melvin both canceled their trips to Milan, Italy, where they were scheduled to cover the Winter Olympics for NBC. Back at the studio, the show has been filled with yellow roses, and coanchors have been wearing yellow ribbons as a sign of solidarity with the Guthrie family.

Those gestures matter, even if they do not change the facts of the case. When someone is living through a nightmare, it helps to see that the people around them are paying attention and staying present. Melvin also addressed viewers directly, acknowledging how difficult it is to balance a breaking personal story with the normal pace of a morning news show.

“Hoda’s joining us this morning as our Today family continues to navigate uncharted territory, balancing the updates on the search for Savannah’s mom with all the other stories of the day, like we normally do, but we know things are far from normal right now. So, folks, we are asking for your grace as we continue to do this.”

That is an honest ask, and it reflects what many workplaces face when a colleague is dealing with a family emergency. Life does not pause, but it also does not feel normal.

Fun fact: Alongside the search, the Guthrie family offered a $1 million private reward, and the FBI also added a $100,000 reward, creating a combined incentive of more than $1.1 million for information leading to Nancy’s safe return.

Why has this story resonated with so many people?

Part of what makes this case hit hard is the vulnerability at the center of it. Nancy Guthrie is 84. The idea that someone could be taken from their home is frightening, and it raises questions that are hard to shake.

It also resonates because viewers have watched Savannah for years. She has delivered major news, conducted serious interviews, and handled big moments on live television. Seeing her step away for something so personal reminds people that no one is protected from tragedy, no matter how familiar their face may be.

And for many families, the waiting is the hardest part. Waiting for a call. Waiting for a credible tip. Waiting for a safe return.

How to share information with investigators?

Authorities are still asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.

For now, Savannah remains with her family in Tucson, and Hoda Kotb will remain in Studio 1A. The show continues, but the priority is clear. Bringing Nancy home is what matters most.

TL;DR

• Authorities are 20 days into the search for Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s missing 84-year-old mother.
• Investigators believe Nancy was likely abducted from her Tucson home in the early morning hours.
• Doorbell camera footage showed an armed, masked intruder disabling the camera before entering.
• No official suspects or persons of interest have been identified so far.
• Savannah has been in Tucson with her family since Feb. 1 and is focused on bringing her mom home.
• Hoda Kotb will continue filling in on the Today show for a third week.
• The Today team has shown support with yellow roses, yellow ribbons, and by canceling planned Olympic travel.
• Anyone with information is urged to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.

If you liked this, don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive news on MSN.

This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.

If you liked this, you might also like:

• Kelly Clarkson’s staff fear the show might end amid uncertain future
• Savannah Guthrie steps away from the Olympics as efforts intensify to find her missing mother, Nancy
• Gayle King Isn’t Leaving CBS Yet, Here’s Why She’s Sticking Around