today show unites in yellow as search for savannah guthrie’s mother intensifies
The anchors of NBC’s Today have transformed their studio into a quiet display of solidarity as the search continues for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Yellow ribbons and yellow roses now line Studio 1A, a visible sign of hope for the 84-year-old who was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1. The gesture follows reports that neighbors had begun placing flowers and ribbons near the Guthrie residence in a show of community support.
On air, Hoda Kotb explained that viewers suggested the symbolic tribute. Cameras revealed rows of yellow roses arranged across the set while hosts wore matching ribbons. Kotb noted that people in Arizona had already been leaving yellow flowers outside Nancy Guthrie’s home and that the morning program wanted to echo that sentiment.
Carson Daly reflected on the broader emotional weight of the moment, saying the case resonates nationally. The symbolism of yellow ribbons has long been associated with hope during times of crisis.
Neighbor Laura Gargano told People that some residents placed flowers at the house, while others tied ribbons to their mailboxes. She added that the use of yellow ribbons as a sign of support traces back decades, including hostage situations in the 1970s.
a tradition rooted in hope
Historically, yellow ribbons were widely seen during the Iran hostage crisis beginning in 1979. The BBC has also noted their use during the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann. That tradition now surrounds the search for Nancy Guthrie.
Authorities have stated they believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will. According to law enforcement, biological evidence recovered from the residence is under analysis. The FBI has announced a reward of $100,000 for information leading to her recovery.
colleagues speak out as investigation continues
The Today team has continued to acknowledge the case on air, emphasizing how personal it feels for the staff. Nancy Guthrie had appeared on the program over the years alongside her daughter, and several anchors have spoken openly about their connection to her. Jenna Bush Hager described her as “loved deeply by everyone here at ‘Today,’” while Sheinelle Jones admitted, “Behind the scenes, we’re all rattled. We’re all shaken.”
Kotb, who departed the show in early 2025 but has returned to help fill in during Savannah Guthrie’s absence, shared that strangers have approached her with messages of prayer and encouragement. She said many viewers describe Nancy as feeling like “all of our moms,” underscoring the emotional reach of the story.
Savannah Guthrie addressed the situation publicly in a video posted on Instagram on February 15. Speaking directly to those responsible or anyone with knowledge of her mother’s whereabouts, she said, “We still have hope, and we still believe,” adding that it is “never too late to do the right thing.”
As the investigation continues, the yellow ribbons inside Studio 1A remain a daily reminder of hope — and of a newsroom standing firmly behind one of its own.
