Savannah Guthrie visits ‘TODAY’ studio as she plans to eventually return to show

Savannah Guthrie Visits ‘TODAY’ Studio Amid Mother’s Disappearance Investigation

On Thursday, Savannah Guthrie, a co-anchor of the “TODAY” show, stopped by the NBC morning studio to reconnect with her colleagues, as the search for her missing 84-year-old mother entered its 32nd day. The visit came after Guthrie was last seen on February 1, following a dinner at her daughter Annie Guthrie’s home the previous night.

A “TODAY” representative shared that Guthrie had come to the set to express gratitude and support her team during this challenging time. “She intends to return to the air, yet is currently prioritizing her family and efforts to locate Nancy,” the spokesperson noted. Despite the emotional weight of the situation, Guthrie remains determined to rejoin the show once the circumstances allow.

“She said that she has the intention to return to the show, even though it feels like the hardest thing to do, it’s also her home and where she feels so loved,” Jenna Bush Hager stated while on air, her voice wavering with emotion.

Sheinelle Jones, who co-hosts the third hour of “TODAY,” echoed the sentiment. “We’re not out of the storm, but there’s a light somewhere even in the midst of the storm,” she said, emphasizing the significance of Guthrie’s presence. Jones also reassured her, telling her, “Whenever you are ready, we are here.”

Photographs captured from outside the studio showed Guthrie visibly emotional, wiping tears and hugging her coworkers. The family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her mother’s safe return. In announcing the reward on February 24, Guthrie expressed both hope and uncertainty, noting, “While we believe she can come home, we also know she may be lost—or already gone.”

The FBI has released images from a doorbell camera depicting an armed and masked individual near Guthrie’s residence the morning of her disappearance. Though the person has been identified as a suspect, no public details have been shared about their identity. The suspect is described as a man between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build, and is seen carrying a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack in the footage.

Daniel Arkin, a senior reporter at NBC News, provided updates on the case throughout the investigation.