As the search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, stretches into its fourth heartbreaking week, Hoda Kotb has stepped in to fill Savannah’s seat at Today for an extended period, sources tell Page Six. While the 61-year-old co-anchor was expected to return to her lifestyle business, Joy 101, and family life after leaving Today over a year ago, she’s now providing stability for the Today team in Savannah’s absence.
Behind the scenes at the NBC morning show, things are anything but calm, with hurtful rumors circulating about who could eventually take Savannah’s role. Hoda’s return to Studio 1A is a temporary but crucial fix as the Today family rallies together in the wake of Nancy’s disappearance.
The situation has been incredibly difficult for Savannah, who was forced to miss the Winter Olympics opening ceremony and the NBC coverage of the State of the Union, as her personal life is consumed by the search for her 84-year-old mother. Despite the overwhelming stress, show insiders say morale remains strong, and the Today team is dedicated to supporting Savannah, even as it continues to provide top-tier news coverage.
“It’s a trying time, but Hoda has been an incredibly steady presence,” an insider says. “Everyone, from top to bottom, is focused on doing the best job possible, just like Savannah would.”
For now, Hoda is filling in, but it’s unclear whether she will return to Today permanently. Sources close to her say she remains focused on her other ventures and family life. As the search for Nancy enters its fourth week, the Today team continues to hold out hope that the reward of up to $1 million for information will bring some answers.
As for Savannah’s future on the show, rumors about her contract renewal loom, but for now, she remains focused on the critical situation at hand. Savannah’s absence has led to a surge in Today’s viewership, with ratings up 30% recently. This increase is believed to be partially due to public interest in Nancy’s disappearance, as well as the ongoing coverage of the Winter Olympics.
While there’s still no official confirmation from NBC, it’s clear that the network is hoping for a resolution as soon as possible. Until then, Hoda Kotb continues to play a pivotal role in keeping the Today show moving forward during this challenging time.
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