Savannah Guthrie has been back on the Today show since April 6 after taking a two-month hiatus amid the ongoing search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. But since returning to work, viewers have noticed that Savannah, 54, has ducked out from the show more than once with no explanation — the most recent being on May 6. So, why did Savannah leave Today again?
Co-anchor Craig Melvin informed viewers that Savannah “had to leave a little early” but promised that she’d “be right back tomorrow, though.” She followed through with that promise by returning to work on May 7.
As Nancy’s disappearance case continues, here’s what we know about Savannah’s brief departures from Today.
Why Has Savanah Guthrie Left the Today Show Multiple Times?
Savannah’s most recent leave from Today was on May 6. Viewers noticed she was gone about 90 minutes into the broadcast, with co-anchor Craig, 46, only noting she “had to leave a little early.”
Last month, viewers noticed that Savannah had suddenly vanished from an interview. No explanation was offered at the time, but fans were concerned that it meant she was given an update on her missing 84-year-old mother.
Did Savannah Guthrie Leave Today Because of Her Mom Nancy’s Case?
At the time of publication, it’s still unclear why Savannah left Today last month and again on May 6. No one from the program has shared more details on Savannah’s brief exit.
When the co-anchor announced her return to work in early April, viewers praised her resiliency. Savannah opened up about her choice during an interview with long-time friend Hoda Kotb, who left Today in 2024 but returned to step in for Savannah a few times amid the frantic search for Nancy.
“I will not fall apart. I will not let whoever did this take my children’s mother from them. I will not let them take my joy,” Savannah told Hoda, 61. “It’s hard to imagine doing it because it’s such a place of joy and lightness, and I can’t come back and try to be something that I’m not. But I can’t not come back because it’s my family.”
Savannah added that her work on Today is “part of my purpose right now.”
“I want to smile. And when I do, it will be real,” she continued. “And my joy will be my protest. My joy will be my answer. And being there is joyful. And when it’s not, I’ll say so.”
Has Nancy Guthrie Been Found?
No. Unfortunately, at the time of publication, Nancy has yet to be found. She was reported missing on February 1. It’s been 95 days since Nancy was last seen.
