Why is Savannah Guthrie missing from the ‘Today’ show again, amidst the Nancy Guthrie missing case? Here’s what happened

Savannah Guthrie’s absence from the Today show caught viewers’ attention this week as the longtime television journalist stepped away from Studio 1A. The NBC morning show host, who returned to the program earlier this year during a difficult time involving her mother’s disappearance, was not on air Wednesday, June 17.

Her cohost Craig Melvin explained that Guthrie was away from the desk for an important new project, as per a report by USA Today.

The update comes as Guthrie continues balancing her professional commitments with the ongoing investigation into her mother Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

Why Was Savannah Guthrie Away From the ‘Today’ Show?

Savannah Guthrie was not sitting at the Today show desk on Wednesday, June 17, leaving many viewers wondering about the reason behind her absence.

The longtime television journalist has been back on the NBC morning program since April after taking time away following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie.

While Guthrie’s return to the show came during an incredibly emotional period, her latest break from Studio 1A was connected to a new professional commitment.

At the beginning of the broadcast, Guthrie’s cohost Craig Melvin addressed the situation and explained that she was “starting production meetings on the Wordle game show coming to NBC later this year.”

The upcoming series is based on the popular word game from The New York Times Games, and Guthrie was recently announced as the host, as per a report by USA Today.

What Happened During Guthrie’s Time Away?

Savannah stepped away from Today in February after her mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing following an apparent kidnapping from her Arizona home.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 in her Catalina Foothills neighborhood, north of Tucson. The FBI later released images showing an armed person at her front door appearing to tamper with the camera before her disappearance.

The investigation remains active, with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department continuing efforts to find answers. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will. The Guthrie family has also offered a reward of up to $1 million for information that could help lead to her recovery, as per a report by USA Today.

How Has Savannah Guthrie Handled Her Return?

After a two-month break, Guthrie returned to Today on April 6. During a June 8 appearance on the show’s fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager, she spoke openly about the emotional impact of returning to work while her mother’s case remains unresolved.

Guthrie explained that being back at work gives her “a little respite” and brings her “a lot of joy,” but admitted that the transition has been extremely difficult.

She said her return has not been “easy,” sharing, “I cry every morning on the way to work, and I cry every morning on the way home.”

The host also became emotional while describing the challenge of continuing with her career during such a painful period.

“I don't think if I had any other kind of job, I would have even tried to come back, but I just felt like, 'Well, what else should I do?' And my mom would have said the same, like, 'Honey, just keep going, just keep going.' And so I am.”

Guthrie’s latest absence from the Today show appears to be part of her ongoing work with NBC, as she prepares for her new role hosting the upcoming Wordle game show.

FAQs

Why was Savannah Guthrie absent?
She was working on NBC’s Wordle game show.

When did she return to Today?
She returned on April 6.