Hoda Kotb Returns to Today Show Amid Ongoing Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother
Hoda Kotb made a heartfelt return to the Today show on Friday, Feb. 6, as the search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, continues in Arizona. Savannah, who has been absent from the show all week, remains with her family during the ongoing investigation.
Sitting alongside co-hosts Sheinelle Jones, Carson Daly, and Craig Melvin, Kotb expressed her sadness and support for Savannah.
“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, referencing the family crisis.
Jones emphasized the strength of the Today family.
“Because we’re your family! We’re here,” she said.
Kotb nodded toward Savannah’s empty seat, adding, “Yeah, and I picture Savannah sitting there.”
A Personal Connection and Message of Hope
Kotb drew on her own family experiences to highlight Savannah’s support for others over the years.
“I think there’s this helpless feeling. We’re all so close to her and want to help her,” Kotb said, recalling when Savannah supported her during her daughter Hope’s struggles with type 1 diabetes.
She also reflected on moments when Savannah was there for co-hosts during family tragedies, including Daly’s parents’ deaths in 2017, Jones’ husband Uche Ojeh in 2025, and Melvin’s brother.
“I was thinking this morning, you know when they say, ‘Love is patient. Love is kind.’ We’ll be patient and put prayers up,” Kotb said, closing the segment on a note of hope.
Melvin added:
“It’s just that feeling of helplessness. And we’re not helpless because it’s prayer and hope.”
The Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing on Sunday, Feb. 1, after failing to show up for church. Authorities believe she was abducted, and the investigation continues with no named suspects. Officials are also probing an alleged ransom note sent to the media.
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said the note set a deadline of 5 p.m. on Feb. 5, with a secondary demand for the following Monday.
Following the Feb. 5 deadline, Savannah’s brother Camron posted a video urging Nancy’s abductors to reach out.
“We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate,” he said.
The previous day, Savannah, Camron, and their sister Annie also shared a tearful plea:
“We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen,” Savannah said.
Kotb’s Return to Today
Kotb stepped down from her Today co-anchor role in January 2025 to focus on her two daughters, Haley, 9, and Hope, 6. She previously co-anchored the main hours of Today with Savannah from 2017 until her exit.
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How to Help
Anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via 88-CRIME, 520-882-7463, the P3TIPS app, or at 88crime.org.