Andrew H. Walker/Splash News

Savannah Guthrie has been absent from The Today Show since February 1st – the day her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Several reports are now suggesting that Savannah may never return to Today, regardless of whether her mother is found alive, meaning the search could soon be on for a permanent replacement. And that seems to be the last thing fans – or the show itself – seem to want! Keep reading for more info…

Savannah Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie Reportedly Won’t Return To ‘Today’

Savannah’s former co-star Hoda Kotb, who left in early 2025, has been filling in for her temporarily, while Mary Carillo was announced as Guthrie’s replacement alongside Terry Gannon for the 2026 Olympics coverage. However, insiders claim that discussions are already underway about who could permanently replace Savannah – even if Today would prefer not to lose her at all.

One source reportedly told Status News: “There’s no way Savannah’s coming back. I can’t imagine she would want to.” But another executive suggested the network would fight hard to keep her, adding: “If you could pick one person across the span of morning TV that a show would not want to lose, it would be Savannah.”

“Savannah was always the glue on that show,” the source continued. “And without that, this whole paradigm of our morning anchor team as a family – that connective tissue has just been ripped out.”

Hoda Kotb Laura Jarrett Craig Melvin

Who Could Replace Savannah Guthrie At ‘Today’?

Some fans think Hoda may have had a change of heart since leaving – and that she’s the obvious first choice to replace Savannah. One Redditor wrote: “Hoda has planted herself in Savannahs chair shoving aside Jarrett and Sheinelle. She’s been trying every way possible to get back into that chair.”

That chatter isn’t just on Reddit, as there are real industry whispers about Hoda’s intentions, too. According to a Star insider, Hoda is “keen to stay on and reclaim her full-time gig even if Savannah does return,” which suggests she could be eyeing the anchor chair for good!

Others believe Laura Jarrett, who frequently fills in as co-anchor on Today, would be a good option, while Craig Melvin has also been floated as a strong contender. “Craig is young and can be on the show for many years. Hoda is in her 60’s but could do more years to keep up stability with a face that viewers recognize and like,” speculated a second Reddit user.

Sheinelle Jones was also briefly mentioned, although some viewers questioned whether the schedule would be realistic. A third wrote: “Sheinelle has the 4th hour to host, including a pre-tape once a week which would make her work days insane.”

The same fan went on to suggest that producers may need to look further than the Today family to find a permanent replacement, writing: “And I’m sure the entire rest of Today show’s talent is already working in a skeleton crew-like setup because of the Olympics, Super Bowl, and other stuff going on.”