As the desperate search for her mother stretches into its third heartbreaking week, Savannah Guthrie will remain off the Today show for what insiders are calling the “foreseeable future.” And honestly, how could it be any other way?
The veteran journalist, who has co-anchored the NBC morning staple since 2012, is still in Tucson as authorities continue their urgent hunt for her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. Fifteen days have now passed since Nancy was last seen, and with each passing hour, the worry only deepens.
Related: Nancy Guthrie SWAT Move Yields No Arrests, Sheriff Says It Could Take ‘Years’ To Find Her
As speculation inevitably swirled about what this absence might mean for Savannah’s future at the network — particularly with her lucrative contract reportedly nearing its renewal window — those close to the situation say such talk feels painfully misplaced.
To that end, an insider at NBC made it clear that right now, ratings and renewals are the furthest things from anyone’s mind. They told Page Six on Sunday:
“The entire show and network is rallying together in support of our beloved colleague and friend as we navigate this unimaginable time.”
That sentiment is apparently shared across the entire staff. Production teams, anchors, executives — all of them are said to be focused on one thing: giving Savannah the space to be a daughter first.
The source said:
“Everyone at Today is taking this day by day, and of course giving Savannah the grace, time and support she needs.”
Behind the scenes, there is also a quiet vigil happening. Staffers are reportedly praying constantly for answers, for closure, for some break in a case that has grown more chilling by the day.
Related: What’s The Deal With The Pool Cleaners At Nancy Guthrie’s House?!
In the meantime, former co-anchor Hoda Kotb has stepped back into the anchor seat this week. She has also thus far remained stateside rather than traveling to Milan to assist with coverage of the Winter Olympics, as did Savannah’s current co-anchor Craig Melvin.
But for now, the question of contracts and careers feels almost trivial. What matters is a family in crisis, a daughter waiting for answers, and a network standing behind one of its own during an unimaginable time.
The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie, and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information or tips to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, 88-CRIME or tips.fbi.gov. You can also contact the Pima County Sheriff’s office by calling 520-351-4900 or submitting a tip HERE.
[Image via MEGA/WENN/Savannah Guthrie/Instagram]
