Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie‘s former co-host on Today, returned to the show on Friday to offer words of support amid the investigation into the disappearance of Guthrie’s mother, Nancy.
The FBI and local authorities in Arizona are investigating Nancy Guthrie‘s case as a kidnapping, after she was last seen on Saturday evening when she was being dropped off at her Tucson area home. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a video earlier this week, calling for their mother’s abductors to contact them.
“I just want to say, this whole thing is breaking my heart, and I’m happy to be sitting here with you,” Kotb said on Today.
Kotb then presented a segment showing the “massive show of support” for the Guthries, including vigils and prayers, as well as messages from news figures on other networks and from entertainment celebrities. She also shared messages from viewers, with one writing, “I have not stopped thinking about this.” Another wrote, “My heart is breaking for sweet Savannah and her entire family. May they find their beloved mama soon safe and sound.”
Kotb told the other Today hosts, “I think there’s like this helpless feeling. We’re all so close with her, and we all want to help her.” She noted how Savannah Guthrie was often the first person present when other hosts and regulars were going through difficult moments.
“They said, like, love is patient, love is kind, like, we’ll be patient and put prayers out. That’s all we can do now.,” she said.
Co-host Craig Melvin said, “And we’re not helpless, because it’s prayer and hope. Prayer and hope.”
Kotb co-hosted Today with Guthrie from 2018 to 2025.