Savannah Guthrie made a brief return to NBC’s Today studios in New York this week, reuniting with colleagues for the first time since stepping away from the broadcast amid a deeply personal family crisis.
The veteran morning show anchor has been absent from the program since February 1, when her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The case has drawn national attention as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
A spokesperson for the Today show confirmed on Thursday, March 5, that Guthrie plans to return to the network at some point, although her current focus remains on the search for her mother.
Savannah Guthrie has remained away from the Today broadcast while leading efforts to find her missing mother.
During her visit to NBC’s Studio 1A at Rockefeller Plaza, Guthrie was greeted warmly by colleagues. Speaking on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, host Jenna Bush Hager shared her support for the longtime anchor.
“She is beyond loved here,” Bush Hager said during the broadcast. “So we’re happy she’s home. I don’t know when she’s actually returning to the show. But she was here and that felt so good to get to hug her.”
But it seems the story is not all roses and flowers…
NBC Staffers reportedly hoped Savannah wouldn’t return amid tragedy
Savannah Guthrie’s absence from NBC’s Today show has reportedly triggered quiet maneuvering inside the program, with a new report claiming some staff members hoped the veteran anchor might not return to the broadcast.
According to a report published by the Daily Mail on March 6, some sources inside the network said staff members reacted with frustration when they learned Guthrie planned to eventually return to the program.
One source described the competitive nature of the television environment in blunt terms.
“It’s a viper’s nest,” the source told the outlet. “Even if you’re suffering.”
The report also claimed that some production staff found the environment more relaxed while Guthrie was away from the show. During her absence, co-anchor Hoda Kotb helped lead the program alongside other hosts.
According to the same report, uncertainty about Guthrie’s timeline led some employees to consider how the show’s structure might evolve and whether additional screen time could become available.
Despite those claims, Today hosts on air have continued to publicly emphasize their support for Guthrie and her family during the difficult period.
Investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues
Authorities continue to search for Nancy Guthrie as the investigation remains ongoing.
Savannah Guthrie previously announced that her family is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information that leads to Nancy’s recovery. The FBI has also offered an additional $100,000 reward for information that could help locate her or lead to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved.
Nancy is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips through tips.fbi.gov.
