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Savannah Guthrie Bows Out of Olympics Amid Mother’s Abduction Investigation
New York, NY – “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie will not be heading to Milan for NBC’s highly anticipated 2026 Winter Olympics coverage. The decision comes as Guthrie focuses on a deeply personal and distressing situation: the ongoing police investigation into the suspected abduction of her mother, Nancy Guthrie.
An NBC Sports representative confirmed Guthrie’s withdrawal in a statement released on Tuesday. “Savannah will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time,” the statement read. “Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother.”
Guthrie had been slated to co-host NBC’s telecast of the Friday opening ceremonies for the Milan Cortina Games, alongside NBC Sports’ Terry Gannon. The network indicated that alternative plans for the broadcast would be announced shortly.
The focus of the family’s concern, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, was last seen at her home outside of Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday night. Relatives became alarmed when she missed her regular Sunday church service and was not found at her residence.
Authorities investigating the case found Nancy Guthrie’s phone, wallet, car, and medication left behind, leading officials to believe she did not leave voluntarily. While she has no cognitive issues, family members have informed police of her limited physical mobility, making it unlikely she could have walked far on her own.
During a Tuesday news briefing, Lima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will. He also acknowledged “reports circulating about possible ransom note(s),” though he did not verify a TMZ report regarding an alleged ransom note. Law enforcement sources, speaking anonymously, have indicated that blood was found at the scene and there were signs of forced entry into the home.
Guthrie, who has been a co-host of “Today” since 2012, has been absent from the program since Monday. She was originally scheduled to depart for Milan early this week. Her mother, who lived independently, has been an occasional and beloved on-air guest on “Today,” endearing herself to Guthrie’s colleagues and the show’s staff.