Is Savannah Guthrie Leaving the ‘Today’ Show? What We Know Amid Mom Nancy’s Abduction

The morning show co-anchor has been absent while the frantic search for her mother, Nancy, continues.

Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from the Today show as the search continues for her mother, Nancy Guthrie. The 84-year-old was last seen on January 31, 2026, after being abducted overnight by an unknown individual from her Tucson, Arizona, home. As authorities continue to investigate and urge the public to come forward with information, Guthrie has remained off the air to be with her family.

Now, as the case enters its third week, questions about her future on Today have intensified. While NBC has not made any official announcement, reports have surfaced suggesting that Guthrie may not return to her co-anchor role as she focuses on her family during this ongoing crisis.

Below, learn what we know so far about Savannah’s future on Today.

How Long Has Nancy Guthrie Been Missing?

As of February 20, Nancy has been missing for 20 days. Authorities have not identified possible suspects, but they’ve briefly detained several people. All of them are no longer in police custody.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told The New York Times that police are not giving up on looking for Nancy.

“Maybe it’s an hour from now. Maybe it’s weeks or months or years from now. But we won’t quit,” he told the publication. “We’re going to find Nancy. We’re going to find this guy.”

What Happened to Nancy Guthrie?

According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Nancy was taken from her home against her will. Blood was found at the scene, and surveillance footage from that night showed a masked individual covering security cameras at the Tucson residence.

Is Savannah Guthrie Leaving the Today Show?

Savannah has not publicly confirmed a permanent departure from Today, but new reporting suggests her return may be unlikely. As the search for her mother continues, insiders have indicated that the longtime co-anchor could be stepping away for good.

According to Status News, one television executive bluntly said, “There’s no way Savannah’s coming back. I can’t imagine she would even want to.” While NBC has not issued an official statement about her future, colleagues at Today have continued to voice their support, with the network reportedly giving her the time and space she needs during the ongoing crisis. A source told Page Six, “The entire show and network is rallying together in support of our beloved colleague and friend as we navigate this unimaginable time.”

One insider also told the outlet that the staff at Today “all pray constantly” for Nancy’s case to be solved, adding, “Everyone at Today is taking this day by day, and of course giving Savannah the grace, time and support she needs.”

For now, her status remains unconfirmed, and her focus appears to be on her family as the investigation enters its third week.

The void left by Savannah’s absence is being filled by a rotating desk of NBC veterans, including Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin, yet the atmosphere within Studio 1A remains somberly focused on the unfolding tragedy in Arizona. Industry analysts note that while Guthrie’s contract was recently renewed through 2027, the “unimaginable trauma” of a high-profile kidnapping creates a unique professional crossroad that transcends standard broadcasting agreements. Should the investigation extend into March without a resolution, sources suggest NBC may transition Savannah to an “Emeritus” or “Special Correspondent” role, allowing her to maintain her connection to the network without the grueling daily demands of the 7 a.m. anchor chair. For a journalist who has spent decades reporting on the world’s most difficult stories, the transition to becoming the center of one has fundamentally shifted her priorities, leaving the future of the Today show’s legacy in a state of respectful uncertainty.