Who Is Stepping in for Savannah Guthrie on the “Today” Show? What to Know About the Hosting Changes amid Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance
- - Who Is Stepping in for Savannah Guthrie on the “Today” Show? What to Know About the Hosting Changes amid Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance
Samantha StutsmanFebruary 10, 2026 at 4:15 AM
3
Savannah Guthrie in November 2023.
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty
Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, was last seen on Jan. 31
Guthrie has been absent from Today since Feb. 2
Two familiar NBC faces have stepped in for Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie is stepping away from Today for the time being.
The NBC host is currently in Arizona with her family as authorities continue searching for her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, who was last seen on Jan. 31. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has said investigators believe she was taken against her will.
As the search continues, officials have not identified a suspect and are asking anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900. The FBI is also assisting in the investigation, urging tips to be reported to 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Guthrie was absent from the Feb. 2 broadcast of Today, when her co-anchors shared a statement on her behalf. “I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support,” the statement read. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”
NBC later confirmed that Guthrie will no longer cover the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
Here's everything to know about who is filling in for Savannah Guthrie on the Today show.
Why isn’t Savannah Guthrie hosting Today?
Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie, on the 'Today' set in 2023.
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty
Guthrie has been off the air since Feb. 2 as her family searches for answers following her mother’s disappearance.
Authorities say Nancy was last seen on Jan. 31 at her home in Tucson, Ariz., at around 9:30 p.m. local time. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department began an urgent search on Feb. 1.
During a Feb. 2 press conference, Sheriff Chris Nanos said the case has shifted from a search to a criminal investigation, describing the home as a “crime scene."
“She did not leave [her home] on her own, we know that,” Nanos said, adding that Nancy is “of great sound mind” and “sharp as a tack,” stressing that the case is not related to dementia.
On Feb. 4, Guthrie shared an emotional video on Instagram, directly addressing their mother — and her potential abductor.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” the Today co-host said. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
The family posted another plea on Feb. 7, again asking for Nancy’s safe return.
“We received your message, and we understand,” Guthrie said in an Instagram video. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."
Who is filling in for Savannah Guthrie on Today?
Sheinelle Jones in May 2024; Hoda Kotb in February 2024.
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty (2)
During Guthrie’s absence, NBC’s Sheinelle Jones filled in as co-host of Today alongside Craig Melvin from Feb. 2 through Feb. 6.
On Feb. 6, Guthrie’s close friend and former co-anchor Hoda Kotb appeared on Today for a special segment, where she addressed the ongoing investigation and offered heartfelt support to Guthrie and her family.
“First of all, I just want to say this whole thing’s breaking my heart, and I’m happy to be sitting here with you,” Kotb said. “I’ve been, like, wandering around going, ‘Where do you go?’ ”
“Because we’re your family! We’re here,” Jones replied.
As the segment continued, Kotb reflected on Guthrie’s unwavering support during difficult moments in her own life, including her daughter Hope’s medical journey.
“I think there’s this helpless feeling. I mean, we’re all so close to her, and we all want to help her,” Kotb said. “I’m looking at us, and I’m thinking, who was first in the hospital room when Hope was sick? Savannah.”
Kotb closed the conversation with a message of faith and patience. “I was thinking this morning, you know, when they say, ‘Love is patient. Love is kind.’ We’ll be patient and put prayers up,” she said.
On Feb. 9, Kotb filled in as co-host of Today alongside Melvin. NBC has not announced how long she is expected to remain in the anchor chair.
What has Hoda Kotb said about filling in for Guthrie?
Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb on the 'Today' show in 2025.
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty
After stepping down from her full-time role on Today in January 2025 to spend more time with her daughters, Kotb returned to the anchor desk on Feb. 9. She previously co-hosted the show’s main hours alongside Guthrie from 2017 until her departure.
During the Feb. 9 broadcast alongside Melvin, Kotb reflected on her return, underscoring the importance of showing up for one another during difficult moments.
“You know what, Craig? We always talk about our show as a family. We are a family,” she said. “I’m part of the family. I’m happy to be with you because we show up for each other.”
Kotb added that Guthrie and her family remain the show’s central focus. “Paramount through all of this, Savannah and her family are our top priority,” she said, noting that while there is still “a job to do,” the show’s “thoughts and prayers are with [Savannah] 24/7.”
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
