Additional Coverage:
Savannah Guthrie was absent from the August 24 broadcast of Today, with NBC News’ Kristen Welker stepping in to co-anchor alongside Craig Melvin.
Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since February 1. Nancy was last seen on January 31 in Arizona’s Catalina Foothills near Tucson, where she is believed to have been abducted from her home. At the time of her disappearance, Nancy was reportedly without her phone and essential medications.
Since the incident, Savannah has taken intermittent breaks from the NBC program, initially stepping away following her mother’s abduction. Currently, she is on leave to film the first season of NBC’s new game show Wordle, executive-produced by Jimmy Fallon.
At the start of Monday’s show, Melvin acknowledged Savannah’s absence, telling viewers, “We’re going to get outside and celebrate with everyone in just a few minutes. Thank you so much for starting your Monday morning off with us.
Kristen Welker starting her week off with us while Savannah enjoys some time off.” Welker, settling into the anchor chair, commented, “I can’t wait to get outside and say hello to everyone, and it’s a gorgeous one out there.
The weather is just perfect here.”
Welker is well acquainted with the Today audience, having co-hosted Weekend Today from 2020 until 2023 before taking on other roles within NBC News. Reflecting on her tenure during her final Weekend Today broadcast in August 2023, she expressed heartfelt thanks to viewers and colleagues alike.
The absence of Guthrie comes shortly after a development in the search for Nancy. Human remains were discovered in a desert area near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard, about 15 miles from Nancy’s home. However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department emphasized that there is currently no evidence linking the remains to Nancy’s case, noting the remains appeared to have been at the site for an extended time.
Authorities have not disclosed details about who found the remains or the exact timing, nor have they explained why they ruled out a connection to Nancy’s disappearance. Deputies were seen investigating the area, which is characterized by saguaro cactus-covered hills overlooking a busy highway in southwest Tucson. So far, investigators have not identified a motive related to the case.
In July, nearly six months after Nancy’s disappearance, investigators released a ransom note and a follow-up letter sent to the family. The latter claimed Nancy had died, with authorities hoping that sharing these documents might encourage new tips or leads. Laboratory analysis of DNA evidence found in Nancy’s home is ongoing.
Throughout this ordeal, Savannah Guthrie has remained outspoken about her mother’s disappearance, appealing to the public for information via social media. The family has also offered a $1 million reward for any information that could aid in Nancy’s recovery.