Savannah Guthrie’s colleagues publicly expressed support after she withdrew from co-hosting the Olympics Opening Ceremonies in Italy following her mother’s disappearance. During Friday’s telecast from Milan, Terry Gannon and Guthrie’s replacement, Mary Carillo, addressed her absence.
Gannon stated, “We’re certainly without a very important and beloved member of our team tonight. She is dearly missed by everybody.” Carillo emphasized that Savannah has an “extended family” at NBC amid the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie. “She’s covered so many Olympics, and she loves it,” Carillo added. “Right now, of course, Savannah and her family are in unspeakable, unfathomable pain. Savannah, my friend, it’s the same way here.”
Gannon extended “love and prayers” to Guthrie, joined by Olympic gold medalist Shaun White. Separately, Hoda Kotb, Guthrie’s former “Today” co-anchor, shared her “feeling of helplessness” on Friday’s episode, noting Savannah’s loyalty to their “family” on the show. Kotb later withdrew from Olympics coverage as well.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona, home on Saturday evening. She was reported missing after failing to attend church the next morning. Authorities believe her disappearance may involve kidnapping. Former CIA member Tracy Walder suggested Nancy might have been “stalked for some time,” possibly due to Savannah’s prominence or a personal grudge.
A purported ransom note demanding billions in Bitcoin was linked to the case, though Walder doubted money was the primary motive. Savannah and her siblings issued an emotional plea for “proof of life” on social media. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or arrests.
NBC increased security at its New York studios, with “Today” co-host Sheinelle Jones acknowledging the team felt “rattled” by the incident.