NEW YORK – In a move that brought both tears and a sense of hope to Studio 1A, Savannah Guthrie made an unannounced visit to the Today Show set Thursday morning. This marks her first time back at the iconic Rockefeller Center studios since her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, vanished from her Tucson home on January 31.
While Guthrie did not appear on-air during the broadcast, her presence behind the scenes provided a powerful emotional lift for the crew and her longtime colleagues.
Witnesses saw Guthrie embracing staff and fellow anchors through the glass of the Today Show windows. Her visit was later confirmed by an NBC spokesperson, who clarified that while Savannah is not yet back in her anchor chair full-time, her intent to return is firm.
“Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her Today Show colleagues,” the network statement read. “While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home.”
During the 10 a.m. hour, an emotional Jenna Bush Hager spoke candidly about the reunion. Through tears, she shared that Guthrie “hugged every single person in this room” and expressed that the studio remains her “home” where she feels most loved.
“She said she has every intention to return to the show,” Bush Hager told viewers. “Even though it feels like the hardest thing to do right now, this is where she belongs.”
The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has reached its 33rd day. Authorities in Arizona continue to treat the case as a suspected abduction. In late February, Savannah offered a $1 million reward for any information leading to her mother’s safe return, pleading for a “miracle” in various social media updates.
Hoda Kotb has been filling the seat on the Today Show during Savannah’s absence, a role she is expected to continue on an interim basis as the Guthrie family stays focused on the search efforts in Arizona.
