Hoda Kotb Skipping Olympics Amid Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mom
Hoda Kotb’s Change of Plans: Prioritizing Support Over Olympics Coverage
Former Today show coanchor Hoda Kotb, 61, has announced she will not be traveling to Milan to cover NBC’s 2026 Winter Olympics broadcast. This unexpected change comes amid the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, who has been reported missing in Tucson, Arizona. Originally, Kotb was slated to be part of the Olympic coverage team, but she has chosen to remain close to her colleagues and support Savannah during this challenging time.
NBC confirmed that Saturday Today coanchor Peter Alexander will now report from Milan alongside other correspondents. The decision underscores the deep camaraderie and emotional support shared among the Today show team as they rally around Savannah Guthrie and her family.
The Emotional Impact of Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance on the Today Show Family
Nancy Guthrie, 84, went missing on January 31, sparking a widespread search effort in the Tucson area. Savannah Guthrie, 54, has left New York to be near her family, while her coworkers continue their work from Studio 1A at Rockefeller Center, providing updates and expressing their support.
During a recent special guest appearance on the show, Kotb expressed her heartbreak over the situation. “I picture Savannah sitting there. I just want to say good morning and everybody’s hoping and praying for Nancy’s safe return,” Kotb shared. She praised the overwhelming support from viewers and the nation, highlighting vigils, positive messages, and a collective hope for Nancy’s safe return.
Kotb also reflected on the close-knit relationships within the Today show team, recalling moments when Savannah was there for her colleagues during their personal hardships. “Who was first in the hospital when my daughter Hope was sick? Savannah. Who hopped on a plane when Carson’s parents died? Savannah. Who was sitting by Sheinelle’s late husband’s side? Savannah. She’s always been there for us, and now we want to be there for her,” Kotb said.
Details Surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, Nancy Guthrie was last seen traveling to a family dinner via Uber around 5:32 p.m. on January 31. She was dropped off at her home by family members at 9:48 p.m., with the garage door confirmed closed at 9:50 p.m. Early the next morning, at 1:57 a.m., her doorbell camera was disconnected. Later footage detected movement at 2:12 a.m., but investigators believe it could have been an animal.
As of now, no suspects or persons of interest have been named by authorities. The search continues with the community and law enforcement hopeful for a positive resolution.
How Savannah Guthrie’s Absence Affected the 2026 Winter Olympics Coverage
Savannah Guthrie was originally scheduled to host the 2026 Winter Olympics ceremony. However, following her mother’s disappearance, she withdrew from her hosting duties. Mary Carillo stepped in to fill Savannah’s role, co-hosting alongside Terry Gannon during the special event.
During the live broadcast, Gannon acknowledged Savannah’s absence, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in bringing the Olympics to viewers. “We are certainly without a very important, beloved member of our team tonight: Our friend and colleague Savannah Guthrie. She is dearly missed by everybody here,” he said.
Family’s Plea for Nancy Guthrie’s Safe Return
Savannah’s brother, Camron Guthrie, made a public appeal for their mother’s safe return in an Instagram video posted on February 6. He urged whoever might be holding Nancy to make contact, expressing the family’s desire to communicate and resolve the situation.
“Whoever it out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. But first, we have to know if you have our mom. We want to talk to you and we are waiting for contact,” Camron said.
Authorities have requested that anyone with information related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
Conclusion
Hoda Kotb’s decision to skip the 2026 Winter Olympics coverage highlights the profound impact Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has had on the Today show family. As the search continues, the team’s unwavering support for Savannah Guthrie reminds us of the importance of compassion and solidarity during difficult times. If you have any information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts, please reach out to the authorities immediately. Stay tuned for updates and join us in keeping the Guthrie family in your thoughts and prayers.
