Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's "Today," was reportedly surprised and dismayed by speculation that she might not return to the program after her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared in February. Doubts about her return surfaced in media newsletters just two weeks after Nancy Guthrie went missing.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Feb. 1, prompting a nationwide search that led Savannah Guthrie to step away from "Today" for more than two months. During this period, the "Today" anchor was reportedly focused on the search for her mother and gave little thought to her return to work until she became aware of the doubts expressed by industry peers.
According to a report in New York Magazine's Vulture, Guthrie was disheartened when publications noted that "a majority of TV veterans" questioned her return to the morning show. As the case continued without resolution, the possibility of her absence became a more persistent concern. Sources close to Guthrie indicated she worried about her ability to maintain composure on air and the potential negative impact of the ongoing situation on the program.
Despite these concerns, Guthrie returned to "Today" 64 days after her mother's disappearance. On her first day back, she wore yellow, a color chosen in support of her mother, and sat alongside co-anchor Craig Melvin. Guthrie acknowledged the support from viewers but largely focused on the show's regular programming, refraining from mentioning her mother's name on air. The decision to keep personal matters private was reportedly Guthrie's idea, with the understanding that viewers were tuning in for the show's content rather than personal updates.
Nancy Guthrie is believed to have been taken from her home against her will. She was last seen by her son-in-law, who reportedly dropped her off at her residence around 10 p.m. the night before she was reported missing. A masked individual was captured on Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera around the time of the suspected abduction. This individual is described as average in height and build, carrying a black backpack and appearing to be armed with a handgun.
Recent reports, including claims from TMZ founder Harvey Levin, suggest that an individual claiming direct knowledge of the abduction has provided video evidence purportedly showing two kidnappers involved. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the validity of these claims or earlier notes related to the case, and investigators reportedly remain divided on their legitimacy.
An FBI tip line, 1-800-CALL-FBI, is available for information regarding the case. Additionally, a combined reward exceeding $1.2 million has been offered for information that helps resolve the disappearance. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Tucson's Crime Stoppers at 1-520-882-7463.