Will Savannah Guthrie Return to TODAY?

Published: March 2, 2026

By India McCarty

As Savannah Guthrie’s absence from the TODAY show continues amid her mother’s disappearance, NBC is working hard to keep things running smoothly on the morning show.

“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, a TODAY alum, said in a recent interview.

Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, went missing from her home in Arizona since Jan. 31, and the search for her is ongoing.

“I do think morning shows are living, breathing organisms, and when something happens to a member of these very close-knit teams, it is devastating, I think, to everyone,” Couric continued. “I think the TODAY show team is doing the best they possibly can, and it must be excruciating to try to carry on, but also to cover a story about a beloved colleague.”

TODAY has been covering the case, as well as stories about those supporting Guthrie and her family at this time. They have also kept NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz on the ground in Arizona to report on breaking news and updates.

Guthrie has taken a leave of absence from the show in order to be with her family during this time. Hoda Kotb, who retired from full-time duties on TODAY last year, has stepped in as an interim replacement.

“They are fortunate that Hoda, who is a familiar and beloved face, is able to step in so seamlessly under very difficult circumstances,” Couric explained. “I think they are trying to handle it as well as they possibly can.”

While Kotb is doing a good job as a replacement, many viewers are wondering if Guthrie will ever return to TODAY.

CNN reported that two sources close to the show have said Guthrie “intends to return to work…at some point,” but there is no timeline in place.

Guthrie announced in an Instagram video that she and her family are offering a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s “recovery.”

“We still believe in a miracle. We still believe that she can come home,” Guthrie said. “We also know that she may be lost. She may already be gone. If this is what is to be, then we will all accept it. But we need to know where she is.”

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As Guthrie navigates this unfathomable tragedy, NBC is doing what they can to keep TODAY running smoothly — and to support the anchor, whether she returns to the show or not.

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