Additional Coverage:
- Savannah Guthrie absent as Today Show bids anchor emotional farewell after 12 years on the air (irishstar.com)
Early Today Anchor Frances Rivera Bids Farewell After 12 Years on NBC
On Thursday, June 18, Frances Rivera delivered her final broadcast as anchor of NBC’s Early Today, marking the end of a notable 12-year tenure. The heartfelt sendoff featured warm tributes from her colleagues, who gathered with Rivera on the plaza outside the studio to celebrate her retirement.
Sheinelle Jones, introducing Rivera to the crowd, praised her dedication, noting the many early mornings and late nights she has committed to the show. Rivera, 55, shared a light moment, joking about her unconventional work hours. Craig Melvin highlighted her 30-year career in journalism and expressed hopes that she will now enjoy more time with her husband Stuart and their children, Tessa and Laz, who were present for the farewell.
Dylan Dreyer reflected on their early days together in Boston, calling Rivera a key part of her own career journey. The entire Today Show team, including Al Roker and Jenna Bush Hager, joined in celebrating Rivera’s departure.
Notably absent from the farewell was Savannah Guthrie, who has been away from the Today Show since June 17 due to other professional commitments. Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones explained that Guthrie has been busy preparing for a new NBC game show based on the popular Wordle puzzle, which she will host. The show, executive produced by Jimmy Fallon, has been in development for over two years and was scheduled to begin filming in March but was paused to accommodate Guthrie’s family situation.
Guthrie has been managing the ongoing disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, since February, a personal challenge that NBC and the production team have been supportive of. On the Today Show, Savannah expressed gratitude for the understanding she received from all involved, highlighting the rare kindness in the entertainment industry during her difficult time.
Frances Rivera shared a snippet of her farewell on social media, simply writing, “I did a thing… I retired,” marking the close of a distinguished chapter in her broadcasting career.