NBC ‘Today’ show co-host Savannah Guthrie abruptly left Wednesday’s broadcast after 90 minutes for an undisclosed appointment, returning Thursday with no explanation as her mother remains missing after nearly 100 days.
Mysterious Mid-Show Departure
Craig Melvin informed viewers on Wednesday that Guthrie had departed early. A network source confirmed she left halfway through her workday for an appointment unrelated to her family emergency. The 54-year-old broadcaster returned Thursday morning alongside Willie Geist, who filled in for Melvin, appearing upbeat and discussing her favorite film, ‘Legally Blonde.’ She referenced the movie and gushed about the upcoming prequel series ‘Elle,’ set to premiere on Amazon Prime in July. Geist noted her unusual giddiness during the broadcast.
Savannah Guthrie left the @TODAYshow set this morning after only 90 minutes.
Everytime she unexpectedly leaves the show, it gives me hope that there may be a break in the case.
I guess it could just mean Charlie had to leave school early with the sniffles and
The sudden exit raised questions among viewers, particularly given the ongoing family crisis. NBC provided no additional details about the nature of the appointment or why it required Guthrie to leave during the live broadcast. The network confirmed only that she would return the following day, which she did without addressing her absence.
Mother Missing Nearly 100 Days
Guthrie’s departure comes as the search for her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, approaches the 100-day mark. Nancy disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home on January 31, with authorities suspecting kidnapping. Police discovered blood near the front door and found the back door left open. Savannah took a two-month leave from the morning show following the disappearance, returning to work on April 6.
The Decision to Return
In an interview with former co-host Hoda Kotb, Guthrie explained her difficult choice to resume work while her mother remains missing. She acknowledged the challenge of returning to a place of joy and lightness during such tragedy. The broadcaster stated she refused to pretend to be something she is not, but considered the show her family. She described finding purpose in choosing joy as her protest and answer to the ongoing crisis. Guthrie committed to being genuine on air, promising to smile when it feels real and acknowledge when it does not.
