Savannah Guthrie addresses sudden mid-show TODAY exit after missing emotional reunion


The NBC anchor returned to co-host TODAY after a two-month absence after Easter weekend in April as the search for her mom Nancy Guthrie continues


Savannah Guthrie is seen at the "Today" show on April 08, 2026 in New York City. © Getty Images
Ahad Sanwari
Ahad SanwariSenior Writer - New York
May 7, 2026
Share this:

Just a month into her return to TODAY after a two-month absence, Savannah Guthrie is continuing to hold the fort down as best she can.

On Wednesday, May 6, the host, 54, sparked concern over the ongoing investigation into her mom Nancy Guthrie's disappearance when she exited the NBC morning show mid-airing.

Savannah Guthrie is seen on the set of the 'Today Show' on April 13, 2026 in New York, New York.© Getty Images
Savannah Guthrie had to exit TODAY mid-show on Wednesday, May 6

90 minutes into the two-hour show, Savannah's co-host Craig Melvin noted: "Savannah had to leave a little early," confirming then: "She'll be right back tomorrow, though."

Sure enough, Savannah returned bright and early the morning of Thursday, May 7, co-hosting with Willie Geist who was in for Craig. While she made no mention of her absence or clarified any reason for her exit, she did share a sweet social media post concerning one thing she missed during her absence.

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Savannah Guthrie holds back the tears during return to TODAY

After Craig noted his co-anchor had to duck out, he turned the attention back to the TODAY Plaza, where a teacher who'd formerly taught Savannah when she was back in Arizona during her high school years was visiting.

Mrs. Nintzel held up a cardboard sign that revealed she "was a teacher at AMPHI High in Tucson when you were there," and included a photo of Savannah from her freshman year, and one from her senior year.

While Savannah didn't get to enjoy the sweet reunion in person, she did share a photo of her teacher on her Instagram Stories the next morning, writing beside it: "Thank you for coming," with a score of heart emojis.

Savannah Guthrie shares a message of gratitude for her teacher visiting the TODAY Plaza, shared on Instagram Stories© Instagram
The host shared a message of gratitude for her teacher visiting the TODAY Plaza

The spotlight on the mom-of-two has been more intense since her 84-year-old mom's disappearance. Nancy was last seen on January 31 by her daughter Annie and son-in-law Tommaso, who dropped her home. It is believed that she was apparently kidnapped in the wee hours of February 1, and was reported missing soon after when she failed to show up at church that day.

Savannah then flew down to Arizona and spent a majority of the two ensuing months there with her siblings, coming to New York City from time to time to care for her two kids, Vale and Charley.

She officially returned to TODAY in early April. Three months into Nancy's disappearance, the Pima County Sheriff's Department shared a statement with HELLO! expanding upon the current status of the investigation.

TODAY -- Pictured: Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin on Thursday, April 3, 2025© Getty Images
"Savannah had to leave a little early," Craig Melvin stated, then confirming: "She'll be right back tomorrow, though."

A spokesperson for the department said: "The Pima County Sheriff's Department remains fully committed to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance."

"This is an active and ongoing investigation, and we continue to work closely with our partners at the FBI," it added, emphasizing the current focus on DNA and analysis of footage. "DNA and video analysis are underway, supported by laboratories across the country. Advances in technology are aiding investigative efforts, and tips continue to be received and reviewed."

Savannah Guthrie and her mom Nancy Guthrie © Getty Images
It has now been over three months since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance

"We appreciate those who have come forward and urge anyone with credible, actionable information to contact investigators. Even small details may be significant," it continued, concluding with: "Please contact 88-CRIME or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI."

More US
See more